📖 Meaning
This idiom means that what one says aligns with what one does. It describes a person whose speech and conduct are consistent, demonstrating sincerity and integrity. Such consistency is regarded as a mark of trustworthy character.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Southern Dynasties period, in a directive written by Emperor Jianwen of Liang (梁简文帝) to Liu Xiaoyi (刘孝仪). In it, the emperor praised someone whose words and deeds matched perfectly and who remained consistent from beginning to end. The expression embodies the Confucian ideal that a person of virtue should act in accordance with their stated principles. It has since been used to commend individuals of integrity and reliability.
💡 Example Usage
他一直以言行相符为准则，深受同事们的信赖。
He has always made it his principle to keep his words consistent with his actions, earning the deep trust of his colleagues.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 言行相符
- Pinyin: yán xíng xiāng fú
- Literal Translation: words, actions, mutually, match
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4