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中流砥柱

중류지주 中流砥柱

A pillar-like rock that stands firm and unshaken amidst the most violent and turbulent currents.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

중류지주 (中流砥柱) means "A pillar-like rock that stands firm and unshaken amidst the most violent and turbulent currents.". Originating from classical texts like the 'Annals of Master Yan,' this idiom refers to 'Mount Jizhu,

1 Meaning

중류지주 (中流砥柱) means “A pillar-like rock that stands firm and unshaken amidst the most violent and turbulent currents.”.

Jung-ryu-ji-ju refers to Mount Jizhu, a mountain that stands resolutely in the middle of the Yellow River's ferocious flow. It symbolizes a person of great integrity or a spiritual pillar who remains steadfast and refuses to yield, no matter how harsh the adversity or chaos around them.

2 Examples

1

A company falls into a state of panic due to poor performance, leading employees to blame one another.

A team leader calmly analyzes the root causes and encourages the team, staying focused on practical tasks until the end.

2

Sensationalist fake news and malicious public opinion dominate social media platforms.

An individual continues to speak the truth based on facts, refusing to be intimidated by public outcry or peer pressure.

3

The investment market enters a frenzy where everyone abandons their principles to chase short-term trends.

An investor trusts their own long-term vision and philosophy, refusing to make investments that violate their core principles.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “중류지주” fits best.

3 Origin

Originating from classical texts like the 'Annals of Master Yan,' this idiom refers to 'Mount Jizhu,' a towering rock formation located in the Sanmenxia gorge of the Yellow River. Even where the torrents are at their most violent, Mount Jizhu has never been swept away, maintaining its position for millennia. Historically, this image was used to describe loyal subjects or great figures who upheld their principles during times of political upheaval. Just as a 'baseline' provides the fundamental structure in music, a person embodying this idiom acts as a foundation, maintaining their internal rhythm and convictions despite external noise and the crashing waves of hardship.

4 Key Lessons

1

It is vital to maintain personal convictions and values without being swayed by external pressures or fleeting trends.

2

In times of crisis, a group needs a stabilizing presence who remains calm and provides a sense of direction.

3

True strength comes from trusting your inner values and rhythm, even when the world is in a state of flux.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

suppress

억누르다, 참다

"She tried to suppress a smile during the serious meeting."

swayed

흔들리는, 영향을 받는

"He remained firm and was not swayed by their opinions."

built to last

오래 가도록 만들어진, 내구성이 강한

"This ancient bridge was truly built to last for centuries."

steady

변함없는, 고정된, 안정된

"You need a steady hand to perform surgery."

🔗 Same series — watch a related Short Related

설상가상 (雪上加霜) — 눈 위에 서리가 내리듯 겹쳐오는 가혹한 시련
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6 Learn with Music

중류지주 track image

중류지주 Track

Bassline Faith (中流砥柱)

폭풍 속에서도 세상을 붙잡는 단단한 중심

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중류지주

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