📖 Meaning
To dedicate one's life to the service of one's country. It describes a person who is willing to sacrifice everything, even their own life, out of loyalty and patriotism. The idiom embodies the spirit of placing national duty above personal safety.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Yang Kan' in the 'History of the Southern Dynasties' (《南史·羊侃传》). Yang Kan was a famous general of the Liang Dynasty during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. When his son was captured by the enemy and used as a hostage to force his surrender, Yang Kan declared that he had already pledged his life to the state and would rather die on the battlefield than yield to threats for personal reasons. His unwavering loyalty became a model of patriotic devotion.
💡 Example Usage
他从小立志以身许国，终成一代名将。
From a young age, he resolved to dedicate his life to his country, and eventually became a renowned general of his era.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 以身许国
- Pinyin: yǐ shēng xǔ guó
- Literal Translation: with, body, pledge, country
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4