📖 Meaning
This idiom means to commend and make known what is good while detesting and condemning what is evil. It describes the principle of upholding moral standards by publicly rewarding virtue and punishing wrongdoing. It is often used in contexts of governance, education, and moral instruction.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the 'Book of Documents' (尚书), specifically the 'Bi Ming' (毕命) chapter, one of the oldest Chinese classics from the Zhou Dynasty. The text states '彰善瘅恶，树之风声' — make known the good and abhor the evil, and establish a reputation for this. It was guidance to officials on how to govern and shape social customs through moral leadership. The concept reflects the Confucian ideal that rulers should clearly commend virtue and condemn vice to cultivate good customs among the people.
💡 Example Usage
为政者当彰善瘅恶，方能正民风而安社稷。
Those who govern should commend the good and condemn the evil, so that they may correct the people's customs and bring peace to the state.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 彰善瘅恶
- Pinyin: zhāng shàn dàn è
- Literal Translation: manifest, good, abhor, evil
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4