📖 Meaning
To speak with a stern countenance and upright, forthright language. It describes someone who addresses serious matters with uncompromising honesty and dignity, commanding respect and even awe from listeners. It is equivalent to the idiom 正色直言.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the History of Song (宋史), specifically the appraisal of officials in the biographies of Du Yan and others (《宋史·杜衍等传论》). The passage praises Song Di and Zeng, noting that with stern demeanor and upright words they kept eunuchs and court intimates from daring to scheme for power. It is set in the Northern Song dynasty, a period when remonstrance officials were expected to check the influence of palace eunuchs and favorites.
💡 Example Usage
面对权臣的威逼利诱，他正色危言，毫不退缩。
Facing the powerful minister's threats and bribes, he spoke with stern dignity and forthright words, not flinching for a moment.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 正色危言
- Pinyin: zhèng sè wēi yán
- Literal Translation: correct, expression, stern, words
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4