一五一十
yī wú yī shí
Full detailed account
Describes something completely and in great detail, without omitting any part. Use it when recounting events or explaining tasks fully and clearly.
What does 一五一十 (yī wú yī shí) mean?
一五一十 (yī wú yī shí) means "full detailed account" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "one, five, one, ten."
Character by character
- 一 yī one
- 五 wú five
- 一 yī one
- 十 shí ten
When to use it
Often used when someone is asked to explain something thoroughly, such as recounting a story, detailing a process, or confessing. It implies a comprehensive and honest account, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example
请你把这件工作一五一十交代清楚。
Qǐng nǐ bǎ zhèjiàn gōngzuò yī wú yī shí jiāodài qīngchu.
Please explain this job clearly and in full detail.
Pro tip: The numbers in this idiom do not refer to specific quantities or times. Instead, they emphasize the completeness and precision of an account, as if itemizing every single detail.
Related idioms
一模一样 · Exact same appearance一手遮天 · Abusing power to deceive异想天开 · Wild impractical ideas
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