令行禁止

lìngxíng-jìnzhǐ

idiom #95,764

Meanings

1 orders are carried out and prohibitions observed
2 strict and effective discipline
3 commands are followed immediately

Characters

Examples

HSK 4

这位教练治军严格，令行禁止。

Zhèwèi jiàoliàn zhì jūn yángé, lìngxíngjìnzhǐ.

This coach runs a tight ship - his orders are followed without question.

HSK 6

军队讲究令行禁止。

Jūnduì jiǎngjiū lìngxíngjìnzhǐ.

The military values strict discipline - orders carried out, prohibitions observed.

HSK 6

只有做到令行禁止，政策才能真正落实。

Zhǐyǒu zuòdào lìngxíngjìnzhǐ, zhèngcè cáinéng zhēnzhèng luòshí.

Only when orders are immediately obeyed can policies truly be implemented.

Tips

history

From 《管子·立政》: 令则行，禁则止，宪之所及，俗之所破。如百体之从心 - 'when orders are given they are carried out, when prohibitions are issued they stop things; the reach of law reshapes custom, like the hundred limbs obeying the heart.' Classic Legalist governance ideal.

usage

Positive in contexts of discipline, organization, and effective governance. Most commonly applied to militaries, sports teams, party/government institutions.

Stroke Order

令 lìng

行 xíng

禁 jìn

止 zhǐ