📖 Meaning
To speak frankly and openly without any concealment or hesitation. It describes someone who is completely candid and does not hide the truth, stating matters exactly as they are.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom does not trace to a single classical source but is formed from common Chinese expression. The character 毫 means 'not at all' or 'in the slightest,' 讯 means 'taboo' or 'to avoid mentioning out of concern,' and 言 means 'to speak.' Together the phrase conveys speaking with zero reservation. It has become widely used in modern Chinese to characterize forthright, unflinching candor in public or private discourse.
💡 Example Usage
面对记者的提问，市长毫不讳言地承认了工作中的不足。
Facing the reporter's question, the mayor frankly and unhesitatingly acknowledged the shortcomings in the work.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 毫不讳言
- Pinyin: háo bù huì yán
- Literal Translation: not at all, not, taboo, speak
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4