一毛不拔

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì máo bù bá
• English Translation: Extremely stingy, a person who won't spend a penny even for their own benefit
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（One strand of）＋「毛」（Hair）＋「不」（Not）＋「拔」（To pull out）
• Meaning: Not even pulling out a single hair. It refers to an extremely stingy or selfish person who is unwilling to make even the slightest expense or effort, even for their own benefit.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一毛不拔」 contains the following nuances:

• Extreme stinginess: Emphasizes being very stingy and unwilling to make even the smallest sacrifice.
• Self-centeredness: Includes criticism of an attitude that pursues only one's own interests without considering contributions to others or society.
• Uncooperativeness: Refers to an attitude of refusing to cooperate at all, even in joint projects or when someone needs help.

3. Usage

「一毛不拔」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Character evaluation: Used to critically describe a person's character or behavior.
  • Example:「他这个人一毛不拔，从来不肯借钱给朋友。」
    （He is an extremely stingy person and has never lent money to a friend.）
• Denunciation: Used to denounce people who make no effort to contribute to others or society.
  • Example:「尽管他很富有，但在慈善事业上一毛不拔，令人失望。」
    （Although he is wealthy, he is unwilling to give a single penny to charity, which is disappointing.）
• Description of attitude: Describes an uncooperative attitude in difficult situations or when help is needed.
  • Example:「面对困难，他总是一毛不拔，不愿意伸出援手。」
    （When faced with difficulties, he always thinks only of his own interests and is unwilling to lend a helping hand.）

Additional Examples:

1. 她对自己的孩子非常慷慨，但对外人却一毛不拔。
   （She is very generous with her own children, but won't spend a penny on outsiders.）
2. 在这个项目中，他一毛不拔，不愿意投入任何资源。
   （In this project, he is completely uncooperative and unwilling to invest any resources.）
3. 他是个有名的一毛不拔的铁公鸡，你别指望他捐款。
   （He is a famous miser who won't even pull out a single hair, so don't expect him to donate.）
4. 尽管公司盈利颇丰，老板却一毛不拔，从不给员工涨工资。
   （Although the company is very profitable, the boss is extremely stingy and never gives employees a raise.）
5. 他对朋友也是一毛不拔，每次聚餐都找借口不买单。
   （He is also extremely stingy with his friends, always finding excuses not to pay at gatherings.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• This idiom reflects criticism of individualism and self-centered pursuit of profit in traditional Chinese Confucian thought. Mencius taught that people should care about society and others, and not pursue only their own interests.
• '一毛不拔' is a strongly condemnatory expression. Care should be taken regarding the person and situation when using it.
• It is a metaphorical expression and does not literally mean 'not pulling out a hair'.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 慷慨解囊 (kāng kǎi jiě náng): To give generously.
  • 乐善好施 (lè shàn hǎo shī): To enjoy doing good and giving to charity.

6. Summary

'一毛不拔' is an idiom used to strongly condemn extremely stingy or selfish people. When using this expression, it is important to understand its strong negative connotation and use it appropriately. Additionally, understanding the traditional Chinese values behind this idiom will help deepen your appreciation of its profound meaning.