📖 Meaning
Not tainted by even a single hair's breadth. It describes someone who is spotlessly clean and incorruptible, utterly free from any stain or impurity. The phrase is used to praise moral purity and integrity.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Ming dynasty writer Wu Cheng'en, best known as the author of 'Journey to the West.' In his 'Preface Celebrating Governor Gu Yu Shao's Report on Governance' (《赠郡伯古愚邵公报政序》), Wu praised the governor's character, stating that his qualities stemmed from a truth of being untainted by even a single hair, combined with an unwavering resolve that would not yield through a hundred setbacks. The expression thus celebrates both moral purity and steadfast perseverance as the foundation of virtuous governance.
💡 Example Usage
他在任期间一毫不染，深得百姓爱戴。
During his tenure he remained utterly untainted by corruption, winning the deep affection of the people.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一毫不染
- Pinyin: yī háo bù rǎn
- Literal Translation: one, hair, not, dyed
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4