百折不挠

Origin and story

Cai Yong's Eastern Han inscription for the official Qiao Xuan praises a grave, unpretentious character that would not yield despite repeated trials or abandon principle at a critical moment. The expression 百折不挠 occurs in that commemorative assessment. Qiao Xuan is remembered in historical accounts for opposing misconduct, but the phrase is not a report of exactly one hundred setbacks.

折 evokes blows or reversals, while 挠 means bending or yielding. Together they became a lasting commendation of resilience: continuing to uphold a purpose after repeated frustration. The inscription gives the phrase the force of a tribute to principled resolve.