一丝不苟(一絲不苟)
一丝不苟 (yī sī bù gǒu) literally means “not loose one thread”and expresses “extremely careful and thorough”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving success & perseverance.
Also searched as: yi si bu gou, yi si bu gou,一丝不苟 meaning, 一丝不苟 in english
Pronunciation: yī sī bù gǒu Literal meaning: Not loose one thread
Origin & Usage
This meticulous idiom literally means not allowing a single (一) silk thread (丝) to be careless (不苟). Emerging from textile craftsmanship during the Song Dynasty, it originally described the precise attention required in silk weaving, where a single loose thread could compromise an entire piece. The phrase exemplifies the Chinese cultural value of perfectionism in craftsmanship. Modern usage applies to any task requiring extreme precision and attention to detail, from scientific research to artistic creation, emphasizing thoroughness and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
When to Use
Situation: The surgeon performed each procedure with absolute precision
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Apply creative genius; show ingenuity
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独具匠心
dú jù jiàng xīn
Show great ingenuity; have original design
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别具一格
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Have unique style; be distinctive
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独树一帜
dú shù yī zhì
Be unique; have distinctive style
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dú zhàn áo tóu
Come first; win top honors
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出神入化
chū shén rù huà
Reach supernatural skill level
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功成名就
gōng chéng míng jiù
Achieve success and fame
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名利双收
míng lì shuāng shōu
Gain both fame and fortune
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一丝不苟 mean in English?
一丝不苟 (yī sī bù gǒu) literally translates to “Not loose one thread”and is used to express “Extremely careful and thorough”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theSuccess & Perseverance category..
When is 一丝不苟 used?
Situation: The surgeon performed each procedure with absolute precision
What is the pinyin for 一丝不苟?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一丝不苟 is “yī sī bù gǒu”.