📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone who is clearly innocent and free of any guilt or wrongdoing. It emphasizes that the person has committed no crime and bears no blame. It is often used when defending someone who has been wrongly accused or suspected.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Qing dynasty novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" (红楼梦), written by Cao Xueqin. In Chapter 61, the phrase appears in dialogue where a character is described as being completely innocent of any wrongdoing. The expression combines 平白 (plainly, for no reason) with 无辜 (without guilt) to emphasize a person's clear innocence. Over time it became a common expression used to defend those wrongly accused or suspected of crimes.
💡 Example Usage
他被人诬陷，成了平白无辜的受害者。
He was framed and became a completely innocent victim.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 平白无辜
- Pinyin: píng bái wú gū
- Literal Translation: plainly, without, guilt
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4