📖 Meaning
When the source water is clear, the downstream water is naturally clear. This idiom metaphorically expresses that when the root cause or origin is good, the subsequent development and outcome will also be good. It also implies that virtuous leadership naturally fosters upright and honest subordinates.
📜 Origin Story
No specific classical text is recorded as the definitive source of this idiom. The concept reflects a deep-rooted Chinese philosophical principle about causality and moral influence, echoing ideas found in works such as the 'Han Feizi' and Confucian teachings on governance. The variant forms '源清流洁' and '源清流净' appear in later literary usage, reinforcing the metaphor of a pure source producing a pure stream.
💡 Example Usage
源清流清，为政者当以身作则。
A clear source makes a clear stream; those who govern should lead by example.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 源清流清
- Pinyin: yuán qīng liú qīng
- Literal Translation: source, clear, flow, clear
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4