📖 Meaning
To investigate someone's reputation or title and hold them accountable for matching it with actual substance. It emphasizes verifying that claims, titles, or appearances align with real deeds and capabilities. The idiom advocates for results-oriented evaluation over surface-level impressions.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Chen, Annals of Emperor Xuan' (《陈书·宣帝纪》), a historical record of the Southern Chen dynasty compiled in the Tang dynasty. Emperor Xuan (陈宣帝), who reigned from 568 to 582 CE, declared his intention to rely on capable ministers and rigorously verify their performance against their titles and reputations. The phrase reflects the Legalist-influenced governance philosophy of holding officials accountable for tangible results rather than hollow fame. It is also recorded in the alternative form '循名责实' with the same meaning.
💡 Example Usage
企业家应当征名责实，以实际能力而非虚名来选拔人才。
Entrepreneurs should examine reputations and demand real results, selecting talent based on actual ability rather than hollow titles.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 征名责实
- Pinyin: zhēng míng zé shí
- Literal Translation: examine name, demand reality
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4