手足之情

Pronunciation: shǒu zú zhī qíng Literal meaning: Affection of hands and feet

Origin & Usage

The idiom 手足之情 (shǒu zú zhī qíng) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe the profound bond between siblings, akin to the inseparable relationship between one's hands (手) and feet (足). This expression emphasizes the deep emotional connection and mutual support that siblings share, both physically and spiritually. The idiom's imagery suggests that just as hands and feet are essential and work together harmoniously, so too do siblings rely on and support each other. In modern usage, 手足之情 is often invoked to highlight the importance of familial bonds and the irreplaceable nature of sibling relationships, extending sometimes to describe close friendships that resemble sibling ties.

Examples

English: "Their bond was evident in the way they supported each other through thick and thin."

Chinese: 他们之间的手足之情在于无论何时都互相支持。