When combined, 铁面无私 (tiěmiànwúsī) literally means “Iron Face, Without Selfishness.” The “iron face” is a metaphor for an unchangeable and stern commitment to the rules, while “without selfishness” explains the noble motivation behind this strictness—it's for the public good, not personal coldness.
The concept of `铁面无私` is a cornerstone of the Chinese ideal of justice and good governance. It represents the ultimate virtue for anyone in a position of power. The embodiment of this idiom is the historical figure 包拯 (Bāo Zhěng), known popularly as Judge Bao (or 包公, Bāogōng). A government official from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), he became a cultural legend for his unwavering commitment to justice. In Chinese opera and folklore, he is often depicted with a black face, symbolizing his impartiality and incorruptibility. He famously sentenced his own uncle to punishment for breaking the law, cementing his reputation as a man who would not let even family ties compromise justice. For Chinese people, mentioning `铁面无私` almost immediately brings the image of Judge Bao to mind. A useful Western comparison is the concept of Lady Justice, who is often depicted wearing a blindfold. The blindfold symbolizes that justice is blind—it does not see wealth, power, or social status. Both the Chinese “iron face” and the Western “blindfold” are metaphors for impartiality. However, the Chinese concept of `铁面无私` places a stronger emphasis on the personal character and moral fortitude of the individual judge or official. It's not just that the system is blind; it's that the person themself is strong as iron and pure of selfish intent. This stands in stark contrast to the often-criticized realities of 关系 (guānxi) and favoritism.
`铁面无私` is a formal and highly commendatory term. You'll encounter it in the news, in formal speeches, in historical dramas, and in serious discussions about ethics and law.