六亲不认

六亲不认

Literally means:

refuse to recognize one's relatives and friends

Actually means:

turn one's back on his own flesh and blood

六亲 refers to six relatives in the traditional sense, namely, father, mother, elder brother, younger brother, wife and son. It is a general term for relatives. The phrase indicates that a person is callous, heartless or inflexible in human relations. It also implies that a person is impartial and adheres to principles, not being swayed by personal considerations.

六亲，六种亲属，较早的说法是指父、母、兄、弟、人情。也指办事坚持原则，不讲私情义或不通妻、子。泛指亲属。六亲不认，形容人没有人情。