📖 Meaning
To die without any complaint or regret. It describes a state of being completely willing and content with one's fate, even if it means death. The idiom conveys absolute willingness and acceptance of consequences.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty playwright Zheng Guangzu's (郑光祖) play 'The Soul of Qian'nyu Leaves Her Body' (《倩女离魂》), specifically the third act. In the play, the character expresses that even if she were to die, she would have no regrets, and if she tried to regret, it would already be too late. The phrase captures a spirit of resolute devotion and willingness to accept any outcome without resentment.
💡 Example Usage
为了守护家园，将士们浴血奋战，纵然战死沙场也死而无怨。
To defend their homeland, the soldiers fought bravely; even if they fell in battle, they would die without regret.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 死而无怨
- Pinyin: sǐ ér wú yuàn
- Literal Translation: die, yet, no, resentment
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4