滴水不漏
滴水不漏 (dī shuǐ bù lòu) literally means “no water drop leaks” and expresses “absolutely flawless and thorough”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: di shui bu lou, di shui bu lou,滴水不漏 meaning, 滴水不漏 in english
Absolutely flawless and thorough
Pronunciation: dī shuǐ bù lòu
Literal meaning: No water drop leaks
Origin & Usage
This meticulous idiom describes arrangements so perfect that not even a drop (滴) of water (水) can leak through (不漏), originating from Song Dynasty architectural standards for imperial roofing. Court builders used it to describe the ideal construction quality for palace structures, where even the smallest leak could damage precious interiors. The phrase gained broader usage during the Ming Dynasty in legal contexts, describing airtight arguments or documentation. The water metaphor was particularly meaningful in a culture where brush-written documents could be ruined by even minor moisture. Modern usage describes flawless execution in any context requiring absolute precision, from legal contracts to security systems.
Examples
English: "The contract was written with precise language that left no room for misinterpretation"
Chinese: 合同用精确的语言撰写，滴水不漏
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
大显身手
dà xiǎn shēn shǒu
To show off one's abilities
Learn more →
一心一意
yī xīn yī yì
Wholeheartedly; with undivided attention
Learn more →
脚踏实地
jiǎo tà shí dì
Being practical and down-to-earth
Learn more →
后来居上
hòu lái jū shàng
Latecomers surpass the early starters
Learn more →
马到成功
mǎ dào chéng gōng
Achieve immediate success
Learn more →
虎头蛇尾
hǔ tóu shé wěi
Strong start with weak finish
Learn more →
海底捞针
hǎi dǐ lāo zhēn
Attempt an extremely difficult search
Learn more →
废寝忘食
fèi qǐn wàng shí
So absorbed as to neglect basic needs
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 滴水不漏 mean in English?
滴水不漏 (dī shuǐ bù lòu) literally translates to “No water drop leaks” and is used to express “Absolutely flawless and thorough”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 滴水不漏 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving absolutely flawless and thorough.
What is the pinyin for 滴水不漏?
The pinyin pronunciation for 滴水不漏 is “dī shuǐ bù lòu”.