📖 Meaning
To change one's mind and no longer insist on a previous opinion. It describes a person whose heart and thoughts turn away from their former stance, often after persuasion or reflection. The idiom emphasizes an internal shift in resolve rather than mere outward compliance.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi, recorded in 'Zhuzi Yulei' (Conversations of Master Zhu), specifically in the section 'Xun Men Ren' (Instructing Disciples, Part Five). Zhu Xi admonished his students, noting that in a single day a person's mind generates countless selfish thoughts and calculations, yet never turns back to examine things with a sincere heart. The idiom was later used in Ming Dynasty drama, appearing in Xu Fu's 'Tou Suo Ji' (The Tale of Throwing the Shuttle), where a character declares they will only change their mind if a surrender flag is raised.
💡 Example Usage
经过朋友再三劝说，他终于意转心回，放弃了辞职的念头。
After his friends persuaded him repeatedly, he finally changed his mind and gave up the idea of resigning.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 意转心回
- Pinyin: yì zhuǎn xīn huí
- Literal Translation: intention turn, heart return
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4