📖 Meaning
To inherit and carry forward the fine traditions and enterprises of one's father and ancestors without altering them. It describes a family or lineage that faithfully preserves exemplary practices and virtues across generations. The phrase conveys continuity of excellence rather than innovation.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Xue Ji' (Record of Education) chapter of the 'Book of Rites' (Liji), a Confucian classic compiled during the Han dynasty from earlier Zhou-era materials. The full passage states that a good bowyer's son must learn to make bows by observing his father, just as a basket-maker's son learns by watching; the idea is that craft and virtue are transmitted through family without change. Over time the phrase broadened from craftsmanship to signify the inheritance of any worthy ancestral tradition or undertaking. Tang dynasty historian Liu Zhiji cited it in his 'Shitong' to praise families that maintained noble conduct across generations.
💡 Example Usage
他家世代行医，良弓无改，至今仍为乡里所称。
His family has practiced medicine for generations, faithfully carrying on their ancestors' legacy, and is still praised by the local community to this day.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 良弓无改
- Pinyin: liáng gōng wú gǎi
- Literal Translation: good, bow, no, change
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4