"Yi Nuo Qian Jin" (A Promise Is Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold) originates from the "Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Ji Bu and Luan Bu." Originally, it referred to a promise made by Ji Bu being more valuable than a thousand pieces of gold. Later, it came to describe someone who keeps their word and is extremely trustworthy. The core of this idiom lies in emphasizing the value of promises and the weight of credibility. Its deeper meaning is that once a person makes a promise, they should cherish and fulfill it as if it were worth a thousand pieces of gold, and never easily break it. It is mostly used to praise others for keeping their promises and matching their words with actions, and can also be used for self-encouragement or to remind others to value credibility. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the high regard for "trustworthiness" in traditional Chinese culture. Confucianism lists "trustworthiness" as one of the Five Constant Virtues, believing that integrity is the foundation of personal conduct, the way to make friends, and the key to governance. Its emotional tone is positive, carrying a sense of respect and praise. In modern society, this idiom is often used in business cooperation and interpersonal interactions, emphasizing the spirit of contract and personal guarantee, and reminding people that a promise is not empty words but a weighty responsibility.
📝 Example
1. If he has promised to help you with this matter, he will definitely get it done—he has always been as good as his word. (Describing him as someone whose word is his bond and who is extremely trustworthy.)
2. In business negotiations, a reputation for being as good as one's word is more persuasive than any contract. (Referring to the immense value of a reputation for keeping one's promises.)