奉公守法 — “To be scrupulous in one's public duties and law-abiding”
奉公守法 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be scrupulous in one's public duties and law-abiding”. To act impartially and observe the law. Literally, “Uphold public service and observe laws”.
奉公守法 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 奉fèng
- 公gōng
- 守shǒu
- 法fǎ
奉公守法 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 奉公守法
Origin and Story of 奉公守法
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, Zhao She, a great general of the State of Zhao, was a resourceful and courageous man. He was a skilled warrior, winning many battles and achieving remarkable feats. King Huiwen of Zhao bestowed upon Zhao She the title of Lord Maifu, making him a high minister.
Zhao She was originally a common tax collector. He was utterly loyal to King Zhao and was impartial and fair in his tax collection duties. One day, he went to the residence of Lord Pingyuan, Zhao Sheng, King Huiwen's brother, to collect land taxes. However, Zhao Sheng's steward, relying on his master's influence, mocked Zhao She and refused to pay the taxes. Zhao She was not intimidated by Zhao Sheng's power. He handled the matter decisively and without hesitation, punishing those who stirred up trouble according to the laws of Zhao.
When Zhao Sheng heard about this, he was furious and demanded Zhao She's life to assert his authority. Upon learning of Zhao Sheng's intent, Zhao She immediately went to him and sincerely said: "You are a pillar of the State of Zhao and a highly valued official. You should observe the laws of the land to set an example for all citizens. Yet, your steward, relying on your influence, openly violates the state's laws. If everyone refused to pay taxes, would the realm remain peaceful? Would the state prosper? By then, would you still hold your prominent position? However, if you uphold public duty and observe the laws, the people will follow your example, the realm will be stable, and the state will prosper. How can you disregard this?"
Zhao Sheng was deeply ashamed upon hearing these words. His anger turned to joy, and he recommended Zhao She to King Huiwen of Zhao. The king appointed Zhao She as the official in charge of all tax collection in Zhao.
After taking office, Zhao She did not use his power to oppress the people but continued to handle all matters fairly and impartially. Later, Zhao She was again appointed as a great general by the king, achieving many military victories for the State of Zhao.
Idioms Related to 奉公守法
Synonyms of 奉公守法
Antonyms of 奉公守法
More idioms starting with 奉
- fèng奉wéi为guī圭bì璧revere as invaluable or sacred
- fèng奉wéi为guī圭niè臬hold as an ultimate standard
- fèng奉wéi为kǎi楷mó模revere as a model
- fèng奉wéi为shén神míng明revere as a deity
- fèng奉wéi为zhì至bǎo宝cherish as an invaluable treasure
- fèng奉lìng令wéi唯jǐn谨scrupulously obey orders
- fèng奉lìng令chéng承jiào教dutifully obey commands and accept instructions
- fèng奉gōng公bù不ē阿serve the public impartially
- fèng奉gōng公kè克jǐ己devote to public duty, discipline oneself
- fèng奉gōng公rú如fǎ法perform public duties impartially and legally
- fèng奉gōng公zhèng正jǐ己be impartial and self-disciplined
- fèng奉mìng命wéi唯jǐn谨Obey orders scrupulously and act with extreme caution
Questions about 奉公守法
- What does 奉公守法 mean?
- 奉公守法 (fèng gōng shǒu fǎ) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be scrupulous in one's public duties and law-abiding”.
- How do you pronounce 奉公守法?
- 奉公守法 is pronounced fèng gōng shǒu fǎ in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 奉公守法 literally mean?
- Literally, 奉公守法 means “Uphold public service and observe laws”. It is used to mean “to be scrupulous in one's public duties and law-abiding”.
- Where does 奉公守法 come from?
- 奉公守法 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 奉公守法?
- 奉：奉行；公：公务。奉公行事，遵守法令。形容办事守规矩。