表里如一

biǎo lǐ rú yī

idiom★Intermediate— to be consistent inside and out◆idiom

◆ What It Really Means

To be genuine and sincere, with one's inner thoughts and outer actions aligned.

¶ Literal Meaning

The outer and inner aspects are the same.

Literal Breakdown

表outer, surface+里inner, inside+如一as one, consistent

◇ Mental Image

A person whose outward appearance and inner thoughts are perfectly aligned, like two sides of the same coin.

◈ When to Use

When praising a friend for always being honest and keeping their promises, you might say, '你表里如一，值得信赖。' (You are consistent inside and out, worthy of trust.)

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects traditional Chinese values of integrity and honesty, often emphasized in Confucian teachings.

formal

To be genuine and sincere, with one's inner thoughts and outer actions aligned.

她表里如一，从不虚伪。

She is genuine and sincere, never pretending.

💡

This idiom emphasizes integrity and honesty, often used to praise someone's character.

Synonyms

表里一致言行一致诚心诚意

Antonyms

虚伪表里不一口是心非

Related Phrases

言行一致idiom

to be consistent in words and actions

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is commonly used in formal or praiseful contexts to describe someone's integrity.

📖Word Origin

The idiom originates from ancient Chinese philosophy, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's inner thoughts with outward actions.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is often used to describe someone who is honest and trustworthy, with no discrepancy between their words and deeds.

Word Breakdown

表

outer, surface

root

里

inner, inside

root

如一

as one, consistent

root

汉英词典

表里如一

biǎo lǐ rú yī

idiom★Intermediate— to be consistent inside and out◆idiom

◆ What It Really Means

To be genuine and sincere, with one's inner thoughts and outer actions aligned.

¶ Literal Meaning

The outer and inner aspects are the same.

Literal Breakdown

表outer, surface+里inner, inside+如一as one, consistent

◇ Mental Image

A person whose outward appearance and inner thoughts are perfectly aligned, like two sides of the same coin.

◈ When to Use

When praising a friend for always being honest and keeping their promises, you might say, '你表里如一，值得信赖。' (You are consistent inside and out, worthy of trust.)

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects traditional Chinese values of integrity and honesty, often emphasized in Confucian teachings.

formal

To be genuine and sincere, with one's inner thoughts and outer actions aligned.

她表里如一，从不虚伪。

She is genuine and sincere, never pretending.

💡

This idiom emphasizes integrity and honesty, often used to praise someone's character.

Synonyms

表里一致言行一致诚心诚意

Antonyms

虚伪表里不一口是心非

Related Phrases

言行一致idiom

to be consistent in words and actions

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is commonly used in formal or praiseful contexts to describe someone's integrity.

📖Word Origin

The idiom originates from ancient Chinese philosophy, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's inner thoughts with outward actions.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is often used to describe someone who is honest and trustworthy, with no discrepancy between their words and deeds.

Word Breakdown

表

outer, surface

root

里

inner, inside

root

如一

as one, consistent

root

汉英词典