Literally refers to the liver and gall bladder, but commonly used in set phrases like 肝胆相照らす (to be open-hearted with each other) to mean one's deepest feelings or true self.
We are close enough to bare our hearts to each other.
Expressions
肝胆相照らすbe profoundly compatible; be inseparable; open one's heart to each other
彼の言葉が私の肝胆を揺さぶった。
His words stirred my innermost feelings.
Compound of 肝 (liver) and 胆 (gall bladder). The figurative meaning 'inner being' comes from the traditional view of these organs as seats of courage and emotion.
