Definition
堂堂正正 is a four-character idiom that describes a person's character as upright, honorable, and aboveboard — someone who acts with integrity and without deceit. It can also describe something done in an open, fair, and dignified manner, or a majestic and imposing appearance. The literal meaning ('grand and upright') is not directly transparent from the English gloss 'impressive; awe-inspiring', which only captures part of the moral dimension.
r.f.
(of a person) uprighthonorableopen and aboveboard(of an action or appearance) dignifiedimpressivefair and square
Examples
- 堂堂正正，。Tā zuòrén táng táng zhēng, cóng bú zuò kuīxīn shì.He is an upright person and never does anything against his conscience.
- 堂堂正正，。Zhè chǎng bǐsài wǒmen yíng de táng táng zhēng, méiyǒu rènhé zhēngyì.We won this match fair and square, with no controversy.
- 堂堂正正。Nà zuò jiànzhù táng táng zhēng de chùlì zài guǎngchǎng zhōngyāng.That building stands majestically in the center of the square.
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