📖 Meaning
信 means genuine and unwavering. Those with merit are surely rewarded, and those with faults are surely punished. It describes a leader who administers rewards and penalties strictly and fairly.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Legalist text Han Feizi (《韩非子·外储说右上》) by Han Fei, a philosopher of the late Warring States period. The original passage argues that a ruler who ensures rewards are genuinely granted and punishments are reliably carried out will have forces sufficient for warfare. It embodies the core Legalist belief that consistent, impartial enforcement of rewards and penalties—rather than moral virtue alone—is the foundation of effective governance and military strength.
💡 Example Usage
优秀的领导者信赏必罚，才能赢得团队的信任与尊重。
An excellent leader rewards and punishes with unwavering fairness, thereby earning the team's trust and respect.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 信赏必罚
- Pinyin: xìn shǎng bì fá
- Literal Translation: trustworthy, reward, must, punish
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4