两肋插刀
两肋插刀 (liǎng lèi chā dāo) literally means “knives inserted into ribs” and expresses “extreme loyalty”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: liang lei cha dao, liang lei cha dao,两肋插刀 meaning, 两肋插刀 in english
Extreme loyalty
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。
Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 两肋插刀 mean in English?
两肋插刀 (liǎng lèi chā dāo) literally translates to “Knives inserted into ribs” and is used to express “Extreme loyalty”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 两肋插刀 used?
Situation: He showed his loyalty by standing by his friend even in difficult times.
What is the pinyin for 两肋插刀?
The pinyin pronunciation for 两肋插刀 is “liǎng lèi chā dāo”.