铁证如山
铁证如山 (tiě zhèng rú shān) literally means “iron evidence like a mountain” and expresses “irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: tie zheng ru shan, tie zheng ru shan,铁证如山 meaning, 铁证如山 in english
Irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof
Pronunciation: tiě zhèng rú shān
Literal meaning: Iron evidence like a mountain
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes evidence that is as solid as iron (铁) and as immovable as a mountain (如山). The combination of these two images emphasizes both the quality and quantity of proof - iron suggests irrefutability while mountain suggests overwhelming volume. The phrase emerged in legal and forensic contexts during the Ming Dynasty. It represents the ideal standard of proof that leaves no room for doubt. Modern usage commonly appears in legal, journalistic, and debate contexts to describe conclusive evidence.
Examples
English: "The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence against the defendant."
Chinese: 控方提出了铁证如山的证据。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 铁证如山 mean in English?
铁证如山 (tiě zhèng rú shān) literally translates to “Iron evidence like a mountain” and is used to express “Irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 铁证如山 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof.
What is the pinyin for 铁证如山?
The pinyin pronunciation for 铁证如山 is “tiě zhèng rú shān”.