📖 Meaning
This idiom means to eliminate chaos and disorder and restore normal order and correctness. 拨 means to remedy or set right, 乱 refers to a chaotic situation, 反 (通返) means to return, and 正 means proper order. It is commonly used to describe correcting past wrongs and reestablishing stability.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Gongyang Commentary (《公羊传》) on the Spring and Autumn Annals, from the 14th year of Duke Ai of Lu. The original text states: 'To remedy the chaotic world and return it to proper order, nothing comes closer than the Spring and Autumn Annals.' It refers to Confucius compiling the Spring and Autumn Annals as a guide for restoring justice and order to a troubled world during the late Spring and Autumn period. The phrase later came to describe the act of correcting past errors and reestablishing correct governance.
💡 Example Usage
新政府成立后，着力拨乱反正，恢复社会秩序。
After the new government was established, it focused on correcting past wrongs and restoring social order.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 拨乱反正
- Pinyin: bō luàn fǎn zhèng
- Literal Translation: remedy, chaos, return, upright
- Category: Recovery
- Characters: 4