📖 Meaning
To make the greedy become honest and the cowardly find resolve. It describes the transformative power of moral influence to change people's character. The phrase originates from Mencius's commentary on the virtuous example of Bo Yi.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the philosopher Mencius (孟子) in the chapter 'Wan Zhang II' (万章下), written during the Warring States period. Mencius praised the legendary sage Bo Yi (伯夷), a noble figure of the Shang dynasty who chose starvation over serving an unjust ruler. Mencius declared that hearing of Bo Yi's noble conduct would make the corrupt become honest and the cowardly find the will to stand firm. The idiom thus became a metaphor for the far-reaching moral power of an exemplary life.
💡 Example Usage
这位老师品格高尚，顽廉懦立，令无数学子深受感化。
This teacher's noble character was so inspiring that it made the greedy honest and the timid resolute, deeply transforming countless students.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 顽廉懦立
- Pinyin: wán lián nuò lì
- Literal Translation: stubborn, honest, cowardly, stand
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4