昭然若揭

zhāorán-ruòjiē

idiom #54,923

Meanings

1 abundantly clear
2 as obvious as if held up for all to see (often of a hidden motive)

Characters

-ly (adverbial suffix)

to lift up; expose

Examples

HSK 5

证据面前，真相昭然若揭。

Zhèngjù miànqián, zhēnxiàng zhāoránruòjiē.

In the face of the evidence, the truth is laid bare.

HSK 7-9

他的用意已经昭然若揭。

Tā de yòngyì yǐjīng zhāoránruòjiē.

His true intentions are now plain for all to see.

HSK 7-9

这个骗局的破绽昭然若揭。

Zhège piànjú de pòzhàn zhāoránruòjiē.

The flaws in this scam are obvious to anyone looking.

Tips

history

From 《庄子·达生》: 昭昭乎若揭日月而行也 - 'bright as if walking while holding up the sun and moon.' The four-character crystallization keeps the 'raising something up to be seen' image.

register

Formal, written register. Commonly used for revealing concealed motives, plots, or truths that suddenly become undeniable. Subject is usually 用意/野心/真相/阴谋 (intent/ambition/truth/plot).

Stroke Order

昭 zhāo

然 rán

若 ruò

揭 jiē