坚贞不屈

Pinyin:jiān zhēn bù qū

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📖 Meaning

Steadfast and unyielding

📜 Origin

《后汉书》

💡 Detailed Explanation

"Unyielding in Loyalty and Unbending" is a commendatory idiom composed of two parts: "unyielding in loyalty" and "unbending." "Unyielding in loyalty" refers to firmness of will and unchanging moral integrity, while "unbending" means refusing to bow to pressure or power. As a whole, it describes a person who, when faced with threats, temptations, hardships, or even the test of life and death, still firmly upholds their beliefs, principles, or moral integrity and never compromises or submits. This idiom is often used to praise the noble character of revolutionary martyrs, national heroes, and upright individuals, and it can also describe ordinary people who persist in justice amid adversity. Its cultural background is rooted in the traditional Chinese concept of "moral integrity," emphasizing the spirit of the great man who is "not corrupted by wealth and honors, not swayed by poverty and obscurity, and not subdued by power and force." Its emotional tone is solemn and reverent, carrying a strong sense of moral praise. In usage, it often serves as a predicate, attributive, or adverbial, such as "an unyielding and unbending warrior" or "remaining unyielding and unbending in the face of the enemy."

📝 Example

1. Facing the enemy's severe torture, he remained steadfast and unyielding, never revealing any secrets. (Describing a firm will that does not yield to violence) 2. This scientist, under harsh conditions, pursued the truth with unwavering integrity, and ultimately achieved a major breakthrough. (Describing the persistence in one's beliefs in the face of difficulties, never giving up)