📖 Meaning
Literally 'heart like metal and stone.' It describes someone whose will is extremely firm and unwavering, or whose heart is hard and resolute. The idiom conveys unshakable determination or steadfast loyalty.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the 'Book of Later Han' (《后汉书·王常传》), which records the story of Wang Chang, a general of the Xiajiang forces who aided the restoration of the Han dynasty. When praised by Emperor Guangwu, Wang Chang was described as one whose 'heart is like metal and stone, a true loyal minister.' The metaphor likens an unyielding, loyal heart to the hardness of metal and stone, emphasizing resolute devotion to a cause.
💡 Example Usage
面对重重困难，他心如金石，从未动摇过自己的信念。
Facing one difficulty after another, his will was like metal and stone, and he never wavered in his convictions.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 心如金石
- Pinyin: xīn rú jīn shí
- Literal Translation: heart, like, metal, stone
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4