一言九鼎 (yī yán jiǔ dǐng) — a solemn pledge that carries great weight; one's word is as good as gold; a statement of decisive authority
Definition
A classical idiom meaning 'one word weighs as much as nine tripods' — used when someone's words carry decisive, binding authority. Stronger and more literary than everyday phrases like 说话算数.
idiom
a solemn pledge that carries great weightone's word is as good as golda statement of decisive authority
Examples
- 一言九鼎，。Tā shuō huà yí xiàng yī yán jiǔ dǐng, cóng bù shí yán.He always keeps his word — his promises are as good as sealed.
- 一言九鼎，。Zǒng jīng lǐ zài huì shàng de biǎo tài kě wèi yī yán jiǔ dǐng, dà jiā dōu bù gǎn dài màn.The general manager's statement at the meeting carried such weight that nobody dared to take it lightly.
- ，一言九鼎，。Zài zhè ge háng yè lǐ, tā de huà yī yán jiǔ dǐng, méi rén huái yí tā de pàn duàn.In this industry, his word is worth its weight in gold — no one doubts his judgment.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.