一清二楚

yī qīng èr chǔ◆idiom

perfectly clear

这件事我已经调查得一清二楚了。

I've investigated this matter thoroughly and everything is perfectly clear.

◆ What It Really Means

A situation where all facts, details, or information are fully revealed and easily understood without any ambiguity or doubt.

¶ Literal Meaning

One completely clear, two completely distinct.

Literal Breakdown

一one+清clear+二two+楚distinct

◇ Mental Image

Imagine a perfectly transparent glass where every detail inside is visible without obstruction. The '一清' represents the absolute clarity, while '二楚' emphasizes the distinctness of each detail.

◈ When to Use

During a business meeting, a manager presents financial data with charts and graphs. After explaining, they say, '现在所有的数据都一清二楚了' (Now all the data is perfectly clear) to indicate that the information is fully understood by everyone.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the Chinese emphasis on clarity and transparency in communication, which is highly valued in both personal and professional contexts. The parallel structure '一...二...' is a common feature in classical Chinese idioms, adding rhythmic balance and emphasis.

formal

completely clear and easy to understand; perfectly transparent

经过仔细的分析，整个计划的利弊一清二楚。

After careful analysis, the pros and cons of the entire plan are perfectly clear.

她把所有的证据都摆出来，真相一清二楚。

She laid out all the evidence, making the truth perfectly clear.

Often used to describe situations where facts or information are fully revealed without ambiguity.

Collocations

一清二楚地说to say something clearly and explicitly让事情变得一清二楚to make things perfectly clear

Synonyms

清清楚楚明明白白了如指掌

Antonyms

模糊不清含糊其辞一团糟

Related Phrases

水落石出idiom

the truth comes to light; facts are revealed

真相大白idiom

the truth is finally revealed

Pro Tip

Usage in Context

Use '一清二楚' when you want to emphasize that something is so clear that anyone can understand it without confusion. It is stronger than '清楚' (clear) and implies thoroughness and completeness.

Gold Rule

Idiom Structure

The idiom follows the structure '一 + adjective + 二 + adjective', where both adjectives are synonyms or intensifiers. Other examples include '一干二净' (completely clean) and '一心二用' (to do two things at once).

Word Origin

The idiom originates from the combination of two phrases: '一清' (completely clear) and '二楚' (completely distinct), both emphasizing absolute clarity. The structure '一...二...' is a classical Chinese parallel construction used to intensify the meaning.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to emphasize that something is so clear that there is no room for doubt or confusion. It is often used in formal contexts such as reports, explanations, or discussions where clarity is crucial.

Word Breakdown

一

completely; entirely

intensifier

清

clear; transparent

adjective

二

completely; entirely

intensifier

楚

distinct; clear

adjective

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