Người khóc tượng

Definition

1. Noun (Idiomatic Expression):
   • "The person who cries before a portrait": A historical idiom referring to a person who demonstrates extreme loyalty and faithfulness to a former ruler or master, especially after a change in power or dynasty. It describes a poignant, public display of grief and refusal to accept the new authority.
   • A profoundly loyal person: More broadly, it denotes someone of unshakeable fidelity and integrity, who remains steadfast in their allegiance despite pressure or personal danger.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Câu chuyện về Lý Quân là nguồn gốc của thành ngữ "người khóc tượng". (The story of Lý Quân is the origin of the idiom "người khóc tượng".)
  • Trong lịch sử, ông ấy được nhớ đến như một "người khóc tượng", trung thành đến hơi thở cuối cùng. (In history, he is remembered as a "người khóc tượng", loyal until his last breath.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical, literary, or formal contexts to praise exceptional loyalty and moral principle. It is not used in everyday casual conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Trung nghĩa (adj/n): Loyal and righteous; loyalty and righteousness.
  • Hành động trung nghĩa của ông được ca ngợi. (His loyal and righteous action was praised.)
• Trung thành (adj): Loyal, faithful.
  • Một thuộc hạ trung thành. (A loyal subordinate.)

Synonyms

• The loyalist: A person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government.
• The steadfast follower: A devoted and unwavering supporter.
• A person of unyielding fidelity: Someone who refuses to change their allegiance.

Related Idioms

• "Người khóc tượng" is itself a fixed historical idiom. It originates from the specific story of Lý Quân during the transition from the Later Zhou to the Song dynasty.