# 光明磊落

guāng míng lěi luò

Be open, honest, and upright

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Bright and openly substantial

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Praise conduct without concealed shameful motives.

Honesty does not require revealing private information.

## Understanding the expression

Brightness suggests actions that can be seen clearly, while the whole expression presents a character free from underhanded concealment. It praises someone who deals fairly, admits responsibility, and does not manipulate others in secret. The emphasis is moral openness, not constant disclosure of every personal fact. A person can protect privacy while acting honorably. What matters is that relevant actions and intentions do not depend on deception or a hidden attempt to harm.

## Examples

她做事光明磊落。

tā zuò shì guāng míng lěi luò 。

She acts openly and honorably.

他光明磊落地承认了错误。

### Traditional Chinese

他光明磊落地承認了錯誤。

tā guāng míng lěi luò dì chéng rèn le cuò wù 。

He honestly and openly admitted his mistake.

竞争可以光明磊落，不必造谣。

### Traditional Chinese

競爭可以光明磊落，不必造謠。

jìng zhēng kě yǐ guāng míng lěi luò ， bú bì zào yáo 。

Competition can be fair and honorable without spreading rumors.

这笔交易光明磊落，账目清楚。

### Traditional Chinese

這筆交易光明磊落，賬目清楚。

zhè bǐ jiāo yì guāng míng lěi luò ， zhàng mù qīng chǔ 。

This transaction is aboveboard, with clear accounts.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%85%89%E6%98%8E%E7%A3%8A%E8%90%BD)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=843&webMd=1&la=0)

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