Chinese idiom · 成语
精诚所至
Meaning
Where wholehearted sincerity and dedication are applied; usually followed by 金石为开, 'even metal and stone yield.'
Character by character
Origin and story
Traditional maxim and literary usageThis is the opening half of the saying 精诚所至，金石为开: wholehearted sincerity can overcome even the hardness of metal and stone. Ling Mengchu's Ming story collection Chuke pai'an jingqi uses the full wording in volume 9 while introducing a tale of steadfast attachment and reunion after apparent death.
The imagery has older relatives. The Hou Hanshu uses 精诚所加, while Wang Chong's Lunheng discusses a version ending 金石为亏. Significantly, Wang Chong is examining and challenging claims of supernatural effects, not simply endorsing them. The modern saying serves as encouragement to sincere, sustained effort; its dramatic images should be understood figuratively rather than as a guarantee of miracles.
In everyday life
精诚所至，金石为开；我们真心为居民解决问题，慢慢就能赢得信任。
Sincere dedication can overcome resistance; if we genuinely work to solve residents' problems, we can gradually earn their trust.
Most natural as the first half of the complete maxim; encouraging rather than a factual promise.