两肋插刀

兩肋插刀

liǎnglèi-chādāo

idiom #26,673

Meanings

1 to go to any lengths for a friend
2 to sacrifice oneself out of loyalty
3 lit. to take knives in both sides

Characters

to insert; to stick into

Examples

HSK 3

朋友有难，我一定两肋插刀。

Péngyou yǒu nàn, wǒ yídìng liǎnglèi-chādāo.

If a friend is in trouble, I'll go to any lengths to help.

HSK 4

为了兄弟，他愿意两肋插刀。

Wèile xiōngdì, tā yuànyì liǎnglèi-chādāo.

For the sake of his brothers, he was willing to sacrifice everything.

Tips

history

This idiom originates from stories of brotherhood and loyalty in Chinese martial culture. 肋 refers to the ribs - having knives plunged into both sides yet still standing for a friend represents the ultimate devotion.

register

Used in contexts of deep friendship or brotherhood (义气). More common in colloquial speech among close friends or in action/drama contexts.

Stroke Order

两 liǎng

肋 lèi

插 chā

刀 dāo