每天成语
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心安理得

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: xīn ān lǐ dé
  • English Translation: To have a clear conscience (or to feel justified)
  • Idiom Composition: 「心」（Heart or mind）＋「安」（Peaceful or at ease）＋「理」（Reason, logic, or the natural order of things (道理 - dào lǐ)）＋「得」（To be fitting or satisfied; here, it implies that 'reason' has been satisfied）
  • Meaning: A state of mind where one feels at ease and justified because they believe their actions align with reason or principles. It can be used positively to mean having a clear conscience, or negatively to describe someone who is shameless or takes things for granted without feeling any guilt.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「心安理得」 contains the following nuances:

  • Inner Tranquility: As indicated by 心安 (xīn ān), this refers to a state of mental stability free from anxiety, restlessness, or guilt.
  • Conviction of Rightness: As indicated by 理得 (lǐ dé), the peace of mind is based on the belief that one's actions or the benefits they receive are 'in accordance with reason' or are a 'justified right.'
  • Dual Nuance: The idiom is a 'double-edged sword.' It can describe the noble confidence of an honest person or the thick-skinned entitlement of a selfish person.

3. Usage

「心安理得」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Positive Self-Affirmation: Used when someone feels they have earned a reward or result through their own hard work and thus feels no guilt in enjoying it.
    • Example:「这笔钱是我辛苦工作赚来的，我花得心安理得。」
      （I earned this money through hard work, so I spend it with a clear conscience.）
  • Criticism of Shamelessness: Used to criticize someone who takes advantage of others or acts selfishly without showing any sign of remorse or gratitude.
    • Example:「你怎么能心安理得地花父母的养老金呢？」
      （How can you feel no qualms about spending your parents' retirement savings?）
  • Claiming Innocence: Used to assert that one has done nothing wrong and therefore has a peaceful mind despite accusations or rumors.
    • Example:「只要没做亏心事，就能过得心安理得。」
      （As long as you haven't done anything wrong, you can live with a clear conscience.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 既然这是大家的一番心意，你就心安理得地收下吧。
    （Since this is a gift from everyone, you should accept it without any hesitation.）
  2. 他整天不工作，却心安理得地让妻子养活。
    （He doesn't work all day and shamelessly lets his wife support him.）
  3. 虽然这次考试没考好，但我已经尽力了，所以感到心安理得。
    （Although I didn't do well on the exam, I gave it my all, so I have a clear conscience.）
  4. 面对指责，他表现得心安理得，仿佛一切与他无关。
    （In the face of accusations, he remained completely unperturbed, as if none of it concerned him.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 理 (lǐ), or 'reason/principle,' is central to one's peace of mind. If a person's actions align with 理 (lǐ), they achieve a state of 心安 (xīn ān), or 'inner peace.'
  • This idiom is often used in rhetorical questions to deliver a sharp rebuke. For example, asking 'How can you feel 心安理得 (xīn ān lǐ dé)?' implies the person is being incredibly insensitive or ungrateful.
  • While similar to 问心无愧 (wèn xīn wú kuì), which focuses purely on the internal 'conscience,' 心安理得 (xīn ān lǐ dé) emphasizes the logical justification of one's situation, which is why it can more easily shift into the meaning of being 'complacent' or 'entitled.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

The idiom 心安理得 (xīn ān lǐ dé) describes the peace of mind that comes from believing one's actions are justified. While it often describes the positive feeling of having a clear conscience after hard work, it is also frequently used as a criticism for people who act shamelessly or feel entitled to things they haven't earned. Context is key to determining whether it is a compliment or a reproach.

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