丁是丁，卯是卯 in English ding1 shi4 ding1 , mao3 shi4 mao3 Meaning

Meanings

• literally (word for word) to keep ding (the fourth heavenly stem) distinct from mao (the fourth earthly branch) (idiomatic expression)
• metaphorically meticulous
• conscientious
• unambiguous

Pinyin

ding1 shi4 ding1 , mao3 shi4 mao3

Literal

Literal explanation, with pronunciation and meaning of each character.

丁ding1surname Ding 是shi4is 丁ding1surname Ding ， 卯mao3mortise (slot cut into wood to receive a tenon) 是shi4is 卯mao3mortise (slot cut into wood to receive a tenon)