一口咬定
yī kǒu yǎo dìng
Firm assertion
Describes someone who makes a definitive statement or assertion and sticks to it unyieldingly. It conveys a strong, unwavering conviction, often implying that the person will not change their mind.
What does 一口咬定 (yī kǒu yǎo dìng) mean?
一口咬定 (yī kǒu yǎo dìng) means "firm assertion" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "one bite firmly determines."
Character by character
- 一 yī one
- 口 kǒu mouth
- 咬 yǎo bite
- 定 dìng fix, determine
When to use it
Chinese speakers use this when someone insists on a particular point, often in the face of doubt or contradiction. It can apply to both positive situations, like a witness firmly identifying someone, and negative ones, such as stubbornly denying a fact. The phrase highlights an unshakeable stance.
Example
被害人一口咬定，把嫌犯指认出来。
Bèihàirén yī kǒu yǎo dìng, bǎ xiánfàn zhǐrèn chūlai.
The victim adamantly insisted and identified the suspect.
Pro tip: The imagery of 'biting down and fixing' (咬定) is key; it emphasizes not just stating something, but holding onto that statement with a firm, unshakeable grip, like a dog refusing to let go.
Related idioms
一臂之力 · A helping hand一举一动 · Every move and action一模一样 · Exact same appearance
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