sworn brotherhood; intimate friendship
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
intimate, unbreakable friendship; bond as strong as metal and fragrant as orchids
literaryDerived from the I Ching (《易经•系辞》): '二人同心，其利断金；同心之言，其臭如兰' (If two people are of one mind, their strength can cut through metal; words from one heart are as fragrant as orchids). Used in formal or literary contexts.
They shared the same ideals and formed a bond of sworn brotherhood.
Ancient people used 'metal and orchids' as a metaphor for friends with compatible spirits.
noun
sworn brothers or sisters; fraternal bond formed by ceremonial oath
neutralCommonly used in the set phrases 义结金兰 (to swear brotherhood/sisterhood) and 金兰谱 (a document recording the sworn relationship). The term implies a relationship as strong as family, though not related by blood.
They swore brotherhood and became sworn brothers of different surnames.
The two exchanged sworn brotherhood documents and formally became sworn sisters.
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Though we are sworn siblings, we need not be constrained by formalities.
Ancient military generals often had the bond of sworn brotherhood.