📖 Meaning
Refers to bearing a heavy military responsibility, especially defending a strategic frontier. The phrase originates from entrusting someone with the defense of the northern gateway against foreign incursions. It conveys the gravity of being charged with guarding a nation's borders.
📜 Origin Story
From the 'Old Book of Tang, Biography of Li Ziliang.' Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty considered the Hedong region dangerously close to the barbarian tribes and difficult to find a suitable commander for. The next day, when Li Ziliang came to express gratitude, the Emperor told him that while his courtesy toward fellow general Ma Sui was proper, the responsibility of the northern gate could be entrusted to no one better than him. The 'northern gate' symbolized the critical frontier defense against northern invaders.
💡 Example Usage
朝廷以北门之寄托付于他，令其镇守北疆。
The court entrusted him with the heavy military responsibility of the northern gate, ordering him to garrison the northern frontier.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 北门之寄
- Pinyin: běi mén zhī jì
- Literal Translation: north, gate, of, entrusting
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4