Definition
表里如一 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'one's outward behavior matches one's inner thoughts' — being genuine, honest, and consistent in word and deed. The literal image is 'outside and inside are the same'. It describes a person's character, not a single action. You can use it to praise someone's integrity or to describe an ideal of sincerity.
idiom
to be consistent in thought and actionto be genuine and honest
Examples
- 表里如一，。Tā zhège rén biǎo lǐ rú yī, dàjiā dōu xìnrèn tā.He is a person who is consistent inside and out; everyone trusts him.
- 表里如一，。Zuòrén yào biǎo lǐ rú yī, bùnéng dāngmiàn yí tào bèihòu yí tào.One should be genuine, not act one way to someone's face and another behind their back.
- 表里如一，。Tā shuōhuà zuòshì biǎo lǐ rú yī, cóng bù shuō jiǎhuà.She is consistent in word and deed and never lies.
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