📖 Meaning
To handle all affairs with complete impartiality, upholding the highest standard of fairness. It describes someone who is selfless and just, never allowing personal interests to influence public matters.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Li Baojia's Qing dynasty novel 'Wenming Xiaoshi' (Civilization's Little History), chapter 60, which describes how the official Ping Zhongcheng assigned posts and duties without regard for personal connections. Despite pressures and temptations, he conducted his appointments with thorough impartiality. The idiom crystallizes this ideal of selfless public service and unwavering fairness in governance.
💡 Example Usage
他在处理人事任免时一秉至公，从不偏袒亲信。
He handled personnel appointments with complete impartiality, never favoring his own protégés.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一秉至公
- Pinyin: yī bǐng zhì gōng
- Literal Translation: entirely, uphold, utmost, public
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4