📖 Meaning
Literally means never taking shortcuts or side paths. Figuratively, it describes a person of unimpeachable integrity who never resorts to underhanded methods or devious means, always acting in an upright and honorable manner.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Analects of Confucius (《论语·雍也》), where Confucius praised his disciple Tantai Mieming (澹台灭明). Confucius observed that Tantai never took shortcuts in his conduct, and never visited the office of Ziyou (子游), the governor of Wucheng, except on official business. This strict adherence to proper procedure and refusal to seek personal advantage through informal channels became the hallmark of an upright gentleman.
💡 Example Usage
他一生行不由径，赢得众人敬仰。
He lived his entire life never taking devious shortcuts, earning the admiration of all.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 行不由径
- Pinyin: xíng bù yóu jìng
- Literal Translation: walk, not, by, shortcut
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4