📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone who, when confronted with money or material gain, does not take it improperly or greedily. It praises a person of integrity and honesty who maintains moral standards even when temptation is present.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Book of Rites' (礼记), a foundational Confucian text compiled during the Han dynasty from earlier Zhou dynasty sources. Specifically, it appears in the chapter 'Qu Li Shang' (曲礼上), which states: 'When facing wealth, do not take it carelessly; when facing danger, do not avoid it carelessly.' The passage emphasizes moral integrity and proper conduct in all situations. Over time, the classical '毋苟得' evolved into the idiomatic form '临财不苟,' which became a standard expression praising honesty and self-restraint regarding money.
💡 Example Usage
他一生为官清廉，临财不苟，深受百姓爱戴。
Throughout his career as an official, he was honest and never took ill-gotten gains, earning the deep love of the people.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 临财不苟
- Pinyin: lín cái bù gǒu
- Literal Translation: facing, wealth, not, carelessly
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4