"Tuixin zhifu" literally means to push one's heart out and place it in someone else's belly. It is a metaphor for treating others with absolute sincerity, holding nothing back, and being completely open and honest. This idiom comes from the "Annals of Emperor Guangwu" in the Book of the Later Han. It tells how Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han, Liu Xiu, trusted and treated the surrendered generals of the Bronze Horse Army well, treating them with complete sincerity, and ultimately won them over completely. In its deeper meaning, it emphasizes absolute trust and sincerity in interpersonal relationships, without hiding selfish motives or putting up defenses. It is mostly used to describe relationships in which friends, colleagues, or superiors and subordinates communicate frankly and trust each other, and it is especially suitable for describing a sincere attitude shown at critical moments or in resolving conflicts. In terms of cultural background, it embodies the core values of "sincerity" and "trust" in traditional Chinese culture. Its emotional color is positive, carrying a warm and moving connotation. It should be noted that it usually refers to sincerity between two parties or one party toward the other, rather than one-sided self-expression.
📝 Example
1. After several conversations, he finally opened his heart to me and revealed his true thoughts. (Meaning to be completely honest and unreserved.)
2. The leader had a heart-to-heart talk with the employees, winning everyone's trust and support. (Meaning to treat people sincerely without hiding selfish motives.)