天行道

tiānxíngdào

phrase #35,133

Meanings

1 to enforce justice on Heaven's behalf (clipping of 替天行道)
2 to act in accord with the will of Heaven

Characters

to carry out / walk

the Way / moral order

Examples

HSK 7-9

梁山好汉替天行道。

Liángshān hǎohàn tì tiānxíngdào.

The heroes of Mount Liang carry out justice on Heaven's behalf.

HSK 7-9

他自称天行道，其实是为了私利。

Tā zìchēng tiānxíngdào, qíshí shì wèile sīlì.

He claims to act for Heaven's justice, but really it's for his own gain.

Tips

history

A clipping of the famous chengyu 替天行道 (tì tiān xíng dào, 'on behalf of Heaven, carry out the Way') - the rallying cry of the 108 outlaws in 《水浒传》 (Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn, Outlaws of the Marsh / Water Margin). The phrase justifies rebellion against a corrupt government as Heaven-sanctioned.

Stroke Order

天 tiān

行 xíng

道 dào