Definition
This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning that extreme sincerity can overcome even the hardest obstacles. The literal image is 'metal and stone crack open' — a metaphor for how genuine persistence or honesty can move even the most unyielding person or situation. You often see it in the longer phrase 精诚所至,金石为开 ('Where sincerity reaches, metal and stone crack open'). Use it to emphasize that determination and sincerity can achieve the seemingly impossible.
f.e.
(chengyu) extreme sincerity can overcome any obstacleperseverance moves even the hardest heart
Examples
- ,金石为开,。Zhǐyào wǒmen yǒu chéngyì, jīn dàn, yídìng néng dǎdòng tā.As long as we are sincere, even metal and stone can crack — we will surely move him.
- ,金石为开,。Jīngchéng suǒ zhì, jīn dàn, tā zuìzhōng bèi wǒmen de jiānchí gǎndòng le.Where sincerity reaches, metal and stone crack open — he was finally moved by our persistence.
- ,金石为开,。Bié fàngqì, jīn dàn, nǐ de zhēnxīn zǒng yǒu yì tiān huì bèi lǐjiě.Don't give up — sincerity can crack metal and stone; your true feelings will be understood one day.
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