📖 Meaning
To be of one heart and one virtue, meaning all people share the same mind and work together toward a common goal. It describes a state of unity where everyone is wholeheartedly committed to the same purpose without internal discord.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Tai Shi' (Great Declaration) chapter, Middle section, of the Shangshu (Book of Documents), one of China's most ancient classics. The text records King Wu of Zhou rallying his forces before marching against the tyrant King Zhou of Shang. He declared that only by being of one heart and one virtue could they establish lasting achievement and endure for generations. The phrase thus became a enduring expression of collective unity and shared moral purpose in the face of a great undertaking.
💡 Example Usage
只要大家一心一德，就没有克服不了的困难。
As long as everyone is of one heart and one purpose, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一心一德
- Pinyin: yī xīn yī dé
- Literal Translation: one, heart, one, virtue
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4