📖 Meaning
To speak one's mind directly without any concealment or evasion. It describes someone who expresses opinions candidly, especially when pointing out flaws, dangers, or improper policies. It is equivalent to the variant '直言无讳'.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Qing dynasty historian Zhang Tingyu's 'History of Ming' (明史), in the biography of the official Yi Qian (弋谦). According to the text, the emperor addressed his ministers, telling them not to take past incidents as a warning and to remain silent. Instead, on matters of national advantage and disadvantage, or any decrees that were improper, they were to speak frankly and without holding back. The passage thus enshrines the ideal that loyal officials owe the throne honest counsel rather than flattery.
💡 Example Usage
他在会上直言勿讳，指出了项目存在的几个问题。
At the meeting, he spoke frankly and pointed out several problems with the project.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 直言勿讳
- Pinyin: zhí yán wù huì
- Literal Translation: speak directly, words, do not, conceal
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4