Talk:一介不取

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Meaning of 介[edit]

What does 介 mean in this context? The definitions given at 介 don't seem to make sense in the context of this phrase. 24.93.170.200 11:17, 10 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

介 is alternative form of 芥. 芥 (a tiny little peace of mustard plant) means something small and worthless in this context. It is used metaphorically to refer to a small amount of money, which is why it would make sense to translate it as "not even take a single penny (as a bribe)." -- A-cai 11:43, 10 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Can this additional meaning be added under the "Mandarin" section for the 介 entry? In English (even in the New Testament of the Bible) a "mustard seed" is used as a metaphor for something tiny. 24.93.170.200 17:47, 10 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

done. -- A-cai 21:44, 10 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]
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