表里如一
表里如一 (biǎo lǐ rú yī) literally means “outside and inside as one” and expresses “be consistent inside and out”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: biao li ru yi, biao li ru yi,表里如一 meaning, 表里如一 in english
Be consistent inside and out
Pronunciation: biǎo lǐ rú yī Literal meaning: Outside and inside as one
Origin & Usage
The outside (表) and the inside (里) as (如) one (一). 表 and 里 are the two faces of a garment, the shown and the lining, so the metaphor is not about honesty in speech but about there being a single thing where one might have expected two. That is why it is used of a person's whole conduct rather than of any particular statement. Chinese pays it as serious praise, and describes its absence with the same pair — 表里不一 is among the more damaging things that can be said of somebody.
Examples
English: "She is genuine - the same person in public and private."
Chinese: 她表里如一，在公众场合和私下是同一个人。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
一言既出
yī yán jì chū
A promise once made must be kept
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铁证如山
tiě zhèng rú shān
Irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof
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栩栩如生
xǔ xǔ rú shēng
Lifelike; vividly realistic
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众所周知
zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī
As everyone knows or is widely recognized
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大公无私
dà gōng wú sī
Completely impartial without self-interest
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名副其实
míng fù qí shí
Living up to one's name or reputation
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秋毫无犯
qiū háo wú fàn
Show strict discipline; not take anything
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百里挑一
bǎi lǐ tiāo yī
Exceptional rarity
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 表里如一 mean in English?
表里如一 (biǎo lǐ rú yī) literally translates to “Outside and inside as one” and is used to express “Be consistent inside and out”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 表里如一 used?
Situation: She is genuine - the same person in public and private.
What is the pinyin for 表里如一?
The pinyin pronunciation for 表里如一 is “biǎo lǐ rú yī”.