两肋插刀

Pronunciation: liǎng lèi chā dāo Literal meaning: Knives inserted into ribs

Origin & Usage

Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 两肋插刀 (liǎng lèi chā dāo) originates from a tale involving the famed hero Qin Shubao during the late Sui Dynasty. As a loyal friend, Qin Shubao risked his life to save his comrades by deliberately leading law enforcement astray. The idiom literally means 'to insert knives into both sides,' symbolizing the willingness to endure extreme hardship for the sake of friendship. The characters 两 (liǎng) mean 'both,' 肋 (lèi) means 'ribs,' 插 (chā) means 'insert,' and 刀 (dāo) means 'knife.' In modern usage, this idiom describes someone who is willing to make great sacrifices for friends, emphasizing loyalty and selflessness. However, it also serves as a reminder to balance loyalty with discernment, ensuring that actions remain within moral and legal boundaries.

Examples

English: "He showed his loyalty by standing by his friend even in difficult times."

Chinese: 在困难时刻，他两肋插刀，支持了他的朋友。