📖 Meaning
To act completely contrary to the established way or previous approach. It describes someone who deliberately does the opposite of what is expected or what has been done before, often as a strategic choice or expression of defiance.
📜 Origin Story
No definitive classical origin is recorded for this idiom. It appears to be a condensed form of the longer phrase '反其道而行之' (to act contrary to the usual way), which has been used in Chinese literature for centuries. The construction follows the classical pattern of using '一' as an intensifier meaning 'entirely' or 'completely,' combined with '反其道' (reversing the course). Though not traceable to a single canonical source, it has entered modern usage as a concise way to describe contrarian behavior.
💡 Example Usage
他总是喜欢一反其道，做出让人意想不到的决定。
He always likes to go completely against the grain and make decisions that catch everyone off guard.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一反其道
- Pinyin: yī fǎn qí dào
- Literal Translation: entirely, oppose, its, path
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4