📖 Meaning
To agree to something immediately and without any hesitation or second thoughts. It describes a person who readily makes a promise without offering excuses, reservations, or pushback. The phrase conveys decisiveness and wholehearted willingness to commit.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Qing dynasty satirical novel 'Hedian' (何典, A Tale of the Underworld) by Zhang Nanzhuang. In its fourth chapter, a character is persuaded to take up an opportunity and, recognizing its advantage, agrees on the spot without further words. The expression '一诺无辞' captures this act of promising with no delay or qualification. It reflects a traditional Chinese appreciation for those who are straightforward, reliable, and quick to honor commitments. The idiom later appeared in Qian Zhongshu's modern novel 'Fortress Besieged' (围城), showing its continued literary use.
💡 Example Usage
他听完朋友的请求，一诺无辞地答应下来。
After hearing his friend's request, he agreed without a moment of hesitation.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一诺无辞
- Pinyin: yī nuò wú cí
- Literal Translation: one, promise, without, words
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4