📖 Meaning
Rotten wood cannot be carved. It is a metaphor for a person who is incorrigible and incapable of improving or becoming talented. The idiom implies that no amount of effort can help someone who fundamentally lacks the will to grow.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Analects (论语), specifically the chapter 'Gongye Chang' (公冶长), compiled during the Spring and Autumn period. Confucius uttered these words about his disciple Zai Yu, who was known for his glib tongue but lazy conduct. When Zai Yu slept during the day instead of studying, Confucius lamented that rotten wood cannot be carved and a wall of dung cannot be troweled, expressing his deep disappointment. The phrase has since become a well-known expression for someone beyond reform or education.
💡 Example Usage
他整天沉迷赌博，家人都说他是朽木不雕，再劝也无用了。
His family said he was like rotten wood that cannot be carved—no amount of persuasion would help, as he was addicted to gambling all day.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 朽木不雕
- Pinyin: xiǔ mù bù diāo
- Literal Translation: rotten, wood, not, carve
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4