守口如瓶
守口如瓶 (shǒu kǒu rú píng) literally means “guard mouth like bottle” and expresses “keep secrets well”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: shou kou ru ping, shou kou ru ping,守口如瓶 meaning, 守口如瓶 in english
Keep secrets well
Pronunciation: shǒu kǒu rú píng
Literal meaning: Guard mouth like bottle
Origin & Usage
Comparing one's mouth to a sealed bottle (瓶), this idiom emerged during the Tang Dynasty when court intrigue made discretion essential for survival. The bottle (瓶) metaphor was inspired by valuable sealed containers used for storing precious liquids, which would lose their value if opened carelessly. Historical records show how maintaining silence (守口) saved lives during political purges. In modern usage, it emphasizes professional confidentiality and the importance of keeping secrets, particularly relevant in business and personal relationships where discretion is crucial.
Examples
English: "The trusted advisor never leaked sensitive information"
Chinese: 值得信赖的顾问从不泄露敏感信息
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 守口如瓶 mean in English?
守口如瓶 (shǒu kǒu rú píng) literally translates to “Guard mouth like bottle” and is used to express “Keep secrets well”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 守口如瓶 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving keep secrets well.
What is the pinyin for 守口如瓶?
The pinyin pronunciation for 守口如瓶 is “shǒu kǒu rú píng”.