📖 Meaning
This idiom is a vivid metaphor for expressing the utmost loyalty and sincere devotion. It describes someone willing to sacrifice everything—even their own blood and vital organs—to demonstrate their absolute faithfulness and earnest commitment. It is synonymous with the expression '沥血叩心' (dripping blood and striking the heart).
📜 Origin Story
The idiom does not have a single definitive origin story documented in classical texts. It belongs to a family of Chinese idioms that use visceral body imagery—blood, liver, heart—to convey absolute sincerity and loyalty. The imagery of baring one's liver and dripping blood draws on the ancient Chinese cultural belief that one's inner organs represent one's truest self, and revealing them symbolizes complete honesty and devotion. Related expressions such as '披肝沥胆' (baring liver and dripping gall) appear in texts dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties, where officials and scholars used such language to declare unwavering allegiance to their rulers or causes.
💡 Example Usage
他对国家沥血披肝，毕生奉献于民族复兴事业。
He devoted himself to the nation with unwavering loyalty, dedicating his entire life to the cause of national rejuvenation.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 沥血披肝
- Pinyin: lì xuè pī gān
- Literal Translation: drip blood, bare liver
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4