理直气壮
- Literal
- with one's reasoning straight and one's spirit strong
- Figurative
- To speak or act with confidence because right is on your side — and also, reproachfully, of someone who does so when it isn't.
Where does 理直气壮 come from?
We know of no specific anecdote behind it: this is a set formula built from two parallel halves. 理直 is "to have one's reasoning straight" — that is, right on your side; 气壮 is "to have strong breath," a firm voice and firm nerve. The second half follows from the first: someone who knows he is right speaks up without wavering. It is used every day, often with a sarcastic edge, for people who demand things with plenty of nerve and little justification.
How is 理直气壮 used? Two examples
- 合同写得清清楚楚，你就理直气壮地去要钱。
The contract is perfectly clear — go ask for the money knowing you're in the right.
- 他迟到了还理直气壮，说是路上堵车。
He showed up late and still acted like he had every right to, saying there was traffic.
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