Chinese Idiom: 粉身碎骨 (Fen Shen Sui Gu)
English Translation: To Be Crushed to Pieces
pīn yīn: fěn shēn suì gǔ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to sacrificing one’s life for a certain purpose or ideal.
Historical Source: Originates from the poem “Yong Shihui” (《咏石灰》) by Yu Qian during the Ming Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Yu Qian, courtesy name Tingyi, was a renowned national hero, politician, military strategist, and poet from Qiantang (modern Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province) during the Ming Dynasty. Many of his poems express his lofty aspirations, noble character, and unwavering resolve. In one of his untitled poems, he passionately expresses admiration for those who uphold their integrity and disdain for those who pursue selfish interests.
The poem’s opening lines convey that one’s reputation and moral integrity are more valuable than anything, saying that “one’s integrity is heavier than Mount Tai, while greed is lighter than a feather.” Thus, throughout history, those with ambition are willing to endure poverty in order to maintain their moral character.
When he composed the poem “Yong Shihui” at a young age (around twelve or seventeen), he declared that even if he had to face “fiery trials” or be “crushed to pieces,” he would still leave behind a life of integrity. The four lines of the poem are:
千锤万凿出深山，
烈火焚烧若等闲。
粉骨碎身浑不怕，
要留清白在人间。
Translation:
“From deep mountains, hammered and chiseled,
The blazing fire burns with no concern.
To be crushed to pieces, I do not fear,
I wish to leave my integrity here on earth.”
The essence of this poem lies in the idea that even amidst the harshest trials, the pursuit of integrity and moral character is paramount. People may labor intensively to extract stones for lime, enduring fire without concern, as long as their purity remains intact.
Over time, the phrase “粉骨碎身” (to be crushed to pieces) was simplified from Yu Qian’s poignant declaration in this poem, symbolizing the willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of one’s principles and integrity.
