签字画押

签字画押

Literally means:

sign one's name on document

Actually means:

押, mark, refers to a signature or a mark on document.

This phrase, originally means someone signing his name, or writing a Chinese character 押, or drawing a mark like a circle, or affixing his handprint on some official documents, agreements or confessions, as a token of acknowledgment of the records or statements. It now refers to signing or sealing on various documents, which serves as a promise that one is to take all the related responsibilities.

押，在文书上签名或画记号。

签字画押，旧时指在公文、契约或供词上签名，或写个“押”字或画个标志(如圆圈)，或盖手印，表示认可所记载或陈述的内容。现指在各种文书上签名或盖章，并承担由此引起的各项责任。