臣心如水 — “To have a heart as pure and transparent as water”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 臣心如水?

心地洁净如水。比喻为官清廉。

臣心如水 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to have a heart as pure and transparent as water”. Refers to an incorruptible and upright person, especially an official. Literally, “Minister's heart is like water”.

Frequency

臣心如水 Pronunciation and Pinyin

臣心如水 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
臣	chén	6	official or subject
心	xīn	4	heart, mind, core
如	rú	6	like, as, if
水	shuǐ	4	water, liquid, river, juice

Example Sentence with 臣心如水

这位老教师多年来教书育人，两袖清风，臣心如水，深受学生们的爱戴。

This old teacher has dedicated many years to education, remaining incorruptible and pure-hearted, earning the deep respect of his students.

Origin and Story of 臣心如水

During the Han Dynasty, Emperor Ai, swayed by the slanderous remarks of Zhao Chang, the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, questioned Zheng Chong, the Imperial Assistant.

The Emperor asked Zheng Chong why his residence was frequented by so many people, like a busy market, implying he might be plotting rebellion. Zheng Chong responded, 'Though my gate is like a market, my loyalty is as clear and transparent as water, without any trace of disloyalty.'

However, Emperor Ai harbored resentment towards Zheng Chong because Zheng Chong had previously advised him against his relationship with the male courtesan Dong Xian. Seizing this opportunity, Emperor Ai had Zheng Chong arrested and thrown into prison as an act of revenge.