nine bronze tripods; symbol of great authority
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
the nine legendary bronze tripods symbolizing the nine provinces, cast by Yu the Great and passed down as national treasures through Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties
Refers to the legendary nine bronze vessels that symbolized imperial legitimacy and national unity in ancient China.
The nine tripods symbolized the nine provinces and were the treasured heirlooms of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.
Legend has it that Yu the Great of Xia cast nine tripods to symbolize the nine provinces.
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After the nine tripods disappeared, they became an eternal mystery of history.
noun
metaphor for words or actions carrying immense weight, authority, or decisive influence
literaryMost commonly appears in the idiom 一言九鼎 (one word weighs as much as nine tripods) to describe someone's promises or statements as highly authoritative and trustworthy.
His word carries enormous weight, and he is deeply trusted by everyone.
The leader's words carry great authority, and we must resolutely carry them out.
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In this field, his opinions are as weighty as the nine tripods and great bells—extremely influential.