The word 清白 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaningful imagery to create a single, powerful abstract concept. 清 (qīng) means "clear", like pure water, suggesting transparency and purity of action. 白 (bái) means "white", the color of an unmarked surface, suggesting innocence and absence of stain. Together, they forge a compound idea where visual clarity meets moral purity, metaphorically representing a state of being unsullied, blameless, and free from wrongdoing.