📖 Meaning
It means to open one's heart and speak honestly, revealing one's innermost true feelings to another person. It also describes extreme loyalty and devotion, being willing to give everything for someone or a cause.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom is recorded in a letter by Huang Tao, a poet of the late Tang dynasty, in his 'Qi Pei Shilang', where he vowed his heartfelt loyalty in serving his lord. It was later echoed by Sima Guang, the great historian and statesman of the Northern Song dynasty, in his memorial 'Ti Yao Shu', in which he pledged to pour out his honest opinions and serve with utmost devotion even on matters the ruler had not asked about. Together these sources established the phrase as an expression of sincere candor and unwavering loyalty.
💡 Example Usage
他对患难与共的老友向来披肝沥胆，毫无保留。
He has always been completely open and unreserved with his old friend who shared hardships with him.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 披肝沥胆
- Pinyin: pī gān lì dǎn
- Literal Translation: reveal liver, drip gallbladder
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4