铁面无私
What does 铁面无私 mean?
To be completely impartial, applying the same standard without favoritism, self-interest, or family exceptions
形容人办事公正严明，不因为金钱、地位或亲属关系而偏袒任何一方。
Historical origin
Song dynasty judge Bao Zheng was known for incorruptibility. When Madam Liu named his nephew Bao Mian in court as a corrupt magistrate guilty of wrongful imprisonment, Bao Zheng, fully aware of the family tie, examined the evidence impartially, removed Bao Mian from office, and sentenced him according to the law.
How do you use 铁面无私 in a sentence?
Judge Bao was truly 铁面无私, because he punished his own nephew after the evidence showed corruption.
包大人真是铁面无私，在证据确认贪污事实后，他连自己的侄子也依法惩办了。
Common mistake
Do not use this idiom for someone who is simply cold or mean. It praises fair and impartial judgment, especially when a person refuses favoritism.
不要把这个成语用来形容一个人只是冷漠或凶巴巴。它称赞的是公正无私，特别是不偏袒任何人的公正裁决。
More examples and usage guide