📖 Meaning
This idiom is a metaphor for absolute loyalty and sincerity. It describes a person who is completely devoted and trustworthy, concealing nothing. The visceral imagery of cutting open one's heart and liver represents total transparency and unwavering faithfulness.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian) by Sima Qian, in the collective biography of Lu Zhonglian and Zou Yang. Zou Yang was a scholar-official of the early Han dynasty who was imprisoned by the Prince of Liang after being slandered by rivals. From prison he wrote a famous letter defending his loyalty, citing historical examples of rulers and ministers who trusted each other completely. The passage states that when two rulers and two ministers open their hearts and livers to one another in mutual trust, how could such profound faith be shaken by baseless rumors and superficial words?
💡 Example Usage
他对国家剖心坼肝，却遭小人构陷，实在令人痛心。
He was utterly loyal to the state, yet was framed by petty men—truly heartbreaking.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 剖心坼肝
- Pinyin: pōu xīn chè gān
- Literal Translation: cut open, heart, split, liver
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4