📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a person of pure and noble character who is plain and unadorned. It refers to maintaining one's genuine, authentic nature without pretense or affectation. It is synonymous with the idiom 怀真抱素.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Book of Liang (梁书), specifically in the Biography of Emperor Wu (武帝纪上), a history of the Liang Dynasty compiled during the Tang Dynasty by Yao Silian. The original text describes those who bravely retreat from worldly ambition and preserve their genuine, unadorned nature. Emperor Wu noted that such individuals of pure character were sometimes overlooked for government positions because they had not sought audiences at court. The phrase praises those who maintain their innate authenticity rather than chasing worldly advancement.
💡 Example Usage
他一生怀质抱真，从不为名利所动。
Throughout his life he cherished simplicity and embraced truth, never swayed by fame or fortune.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 怀质抱真
- Pinyin: huái zhì bào zhēn
- Literal Translation: cherish essence, embrace truth
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4