📖 Meaning
Even if Mount Tai were worn down to the size of a whetstone and the Yellow River shrunk to the width of a sash, one's resolve remains unshaken. It is a vow of eternal loyalty, undiminished by the passage of eons or any upheaval.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' (《史记》), in the 'Table of Meritorious Officials of the Reign of Emperor Gaozu' chapter. When Emperor Gaozu of Han enfeoffed his meritorious officials, the oath of investiture declared: 'Let the Yellow River become like a belt, let Mount Tai become like a whetstone — the state shall enjoy eternal peace, and blessings shall extend to your descendants.' The striking image of these monumental landmarks shrinking to trivial objects became a metaphor for unwavering commitment across unimaginable spans of time.
💡 Example Usage
吾辈砺山带河之誓，纵百世亦不改初衷。
Our vow, as enduring as Mount Tai and the Yellow River, shall remain unchanged even after a hundred generations.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 砺山带河
- Pinyin: lì shān dài hé
- Literal Translation: whetstone, mountain, belt, river
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4