Chinese idiom · 成语
一诺千金
Meaning
A promise worth a fortune; to keep one’s word at all costs.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical anecdoteThe Shiji (史記), volume 100, records Cao Qiusheng visiting Ji Bu despite knowing that Ji Bu distrusts him. Cao invokes a saying current in Chu: obtaining a large amount of gold is less valuable than obtaining Ji Bu’s promise. He then argues that his own travels help spread Ji Bu’s reputation. Ji Bu receives him favorably.
The passage links a reliable promise with something more valuable than wealth. It does not recount a bargain in which Ji Bu literally pays a thousand pieces of gold. The idiom’s later wording magnifies the value of a trustworthy commitment and praises people whose word can be relied upon.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
她答应周五交稿，就一定按时完成，真是一诺千金。
When she promises to deliver a draft on Friday, she follows through on time. Her word is dependable.
Praise for keeping a commitment, not merely making an impressive promise.