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

梁山好汉替天行道。

Liángshān hǎohàn tì tiān xíng dào.

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

他自称天行道，其实是为了私利。

Tā zìchēng tiān xíng dào, 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