inseparable as form and shadow; deeds reflecting the mind; husband and wife never apart
A yojijukugo expressing inseparable connection. The three glosses reflect different applications: a person and their deeds, a married couple, or more abstractly, form and shadow. Rare and literary.
形影一如 is sometimes used as a yojijukugo expressing the strong bond between husband and wife.
His actions are truly 形影一如, revealing his inner thoughts exactly as they are.
Also expresses inseparable unity, but more commonly used and often refers to people acting as one body and mind.
Specifically refers to the unity of husband and wife, a more common and direct expression.
A yojijukugo composed of 形 (form), 影 (shadow), 一如 (oneness, suchness). The exact origin is uncertain, but it draws on the classical metaphor of form and shadow being inseparable.