Definition

1. Idiom (Four-character idiom):
   • To swear by the sea and pledge by the mountain: A solemn and poetic idiom describing an oath of great magnitude, permanence, and unbreakable fidelity. It evokes the enduring, unchanging nature of the sea and mountains as witnesses to a profound promise, such as in love or loyalty.

Usage Examples

• Idiom:
  • Lời thề thệ hải minh sơn của họ đã vượt qua mọi thử thách. (Their sea-and-mountain oath has withstood every trial.)
  • Tình yêu ấy gắn với lời hứa thệ hải minh sơn. (That love is bound by a pledge sworn on the sea and mountains.)

Advanced Usage

• This idiom is primarily used in formal, literary, or poetic contexts, especially in classical or romantic literature. It is not used in everyday conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Thề non hẹn biển: A more modern and colloquial variant with a similar meaning: "to swear by the mountains and promise by the sea," often used for romantic promises.
  • Anh ta thề non hẹn biển sẽ không bao giờ phụ cô ấy. (He swore by the mountains and sea that he would never betray her.)

Synonyms

• Solemn vow: A serious and formal promise.
• Sacred oath: An oath regarded as inviolable.
• Eternal pledge: A promise meant to last forever.

Related Idioms

• Trăm năm bền vững: (Lit. "one hundred years steadfast") Meaning a lasting, century-long commitment.
• Đồng sàng dị mộng: (Lit. "same bed, different dreams") An idiom with an opposite meaning, describing a relationship where partners are physically together but mentally apart, lacking true fidelity.