Definition
完璧归赵 is a four-character idiom from a famous Warring States story: the diplomat Lin Xiangru returned the precious jade (Heshibi) intact to the State of Zhao, despite the King of Qin's attempt to seize it. Today you use it when you return something borrowed to its owner in perfect, undamaged condition — like a book, a tool, or any valuable item. It carries a sense of keeping a promise and acting with integrity.
f.e.
to return something to its owner in good condition (chengyu)
Examples
- ，完璧归赵，。Jiè le péngyou de chē, yídìng yào wán bì guī zhào, bù néng yǒu rènhé sǔnhuài.If you borrow a friend's car, you must return it in perfect condition without any damage.
- ，完璧归赵，。Zhèxiē gǔdǒng zhǎnlǎn jiéshù hòu, quánbù wán bì guī zhào, yí jiàn dōu méiyǒu shǎo.After the exhibition of these antiques ended, everything was returned intact, not a single piece missing.
- ，完璧归赵，。Tā chéngnuò sān gè yuè huán shū, guǒrán wán bì guī zhào, lián shūpí dōu méi zhòu.He promised to return the book in three months, and sure enough, he returned it in perfect condition — even the cover wasn't creased.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.