Chinese idiom · 成语

不辱使命

bù rǔ shǐ mìng

Meaning

To not disgrace the mission; to fulfill duty honorably.

Character by character

不not

辱disgrace

使mission

命duty

Origin and story

Classical teaching

The expression fits an old ideal of fulfilling a responsibility without bringing disgrace on the person who entrusted it. In Analects 13.20, Zigong asks what qualifies someone as a worthy public servant. Confucius includes moral self-restraint and the ability to serve as an envoy without dishonoring the ruler's commission.

The Analects wording is 不辱君命, not exactly 不辱使命. The modern phrase broadens the idea beyond diplomatic service to any entrusted task completed honorably. This is an ethical formula with a classical antecedent, rather than one unique envoy's adventure.

Sources and further reading

In everyday life

我们按时完成了任务，总算不辱使命。

Wǒmen ànshí wánchéng le rènwu, zǒngsuàn bù rǔ shǐ mìng.

We completed the task on time and finally lived up to the trust placed in us.

Often used with relief or modest pride after carrying out an entrusted task.