📖 Meaning
A "骨鲠之臣" is an upright and loyal official who dares to speak the truth candidly, even at personal risk. The term "骨鲠" (literally a fishbone stuck in the throat) metaphorically describes someone whose straightforwardness compels them to voice what others dare not say. Such ministers were highly valued in Chinese court culture for their unwavering honesty and moral courage.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the "Biographies of the Assassins" (刺客列传) chapter in Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian" (史记), composed during the Western Han Dynasty. The passage states that the state of Wu was externally beset by Chu while internally lacking any "骨鲠之臣"—upright ministers willing to speak plainly—leaving no one capable of standing firm for the state. The quote underscores how critical forthright, loyal officials are during times of national crisis.
💡 Example Usage
满朝文武，竟无一位骨鲠之臣敢于进谏。
Among all the civil and military officials at court, not a single upright minister dared to offer honest counsel.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 骨鲠之臣
- Pinyin: gǔ gěng zhī chén
- Literal Translation: bone, fishbone-in-throat, of, minister
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4