Definition
一言九鼎 is a four-character idiom from a story in the Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》) about Mao Sui, whose words at the court of Chu proved more weighty than the legendary Nine Tripods (symbols of state power). You use it to describe a person whose single statement carries immense authority or a promise that is as good as sealed — it is not about literal tripods, but about the figurative weight of one's words.
f.e.
a solemn pledge that carries great weightone's word is as good as golda statement of decisive authority
Examples
- 一言九鼎，。Tā shuōhuà yíxiàng yī yán jiǔ dǐng, cóng bù shíyán.He always keeps his word — his promises are as good as sealed.
- 一言九鼎，。Zǒngjīnglǐ zài huì shàng de biǎotài kěwèi yī yán jiǔ dǐng, dàjiā dōu bù gǎn dàimàn.The general manager's statement at the meeting carried such weight that nobody dared to take it lightly.
- ，一言九鼎，。Zài zhège hángyè lǐ, tā de huà yī yán jiǔ dǐng, méi rén huáiyí tā de pànduàn.In this industry, his word is worth its weight in gold — no one doubts his judgment.
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