📖 Meaning
To bring stability and order to a nation through wise governance. The phrase describes the great undertaking of securing peace within the state and ruling it well. It is commonly used in praise of statesmen, rulers, or policies that foster national prosperity and tranquility.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Song dynasty anonymous work 'Xinbian Wudai Shi Pinghua: Zhou Shi' (Newly Compiled Tales of the Five Dynasties: History of Zhou). In one passage, a character offers to sell a sword to a worthy hero, declaring that for great purposes it could be used to 'pacify and settle the state' (安邦定国), while for lesser matters it would defend against insults and harm. Over time the parallel form 安邦治国 became a stock expression for sound statecraft, later echoed by modern writers such as Bing Xin.
💡 Example Usage
古往今来，凡能安邦治国之人，无不心怀天下、勤政爱民。
From ancient times to the present, all who could bring peace and order to the nation have cared deeply for the world and governed with diligence and compassion.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 安邦治国
- Pinyin: ān bāng zhì guó
- Literal Translation: pacify the nation, govern the country
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4