📖 Meaning
To bear a bundle of thorny branches on one's back and go to apologize. It means to offer a sincere and humble apology to someone one has wronged. The image evokes a person presenting themselves for physical punishment as a sign of genuine remorse.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian) by Sima Qian of the Western Han dynasty. It tells the story of the Zhao general Lian Po, who, after realizing his jealousy toward the minister Lin Xiangru was misguided, bared his shoulders and carried thorn branches to Lin's residence to apologize. Lian Po's act of humility led to the two men becoming sworn allies, a moment celebrated as 'jiang xiang he' (the reconciliation of the general and the minister). The story became the classic model of sincere apology and putting national interest above personal pride.
💡 Example Usage
得知自己误会了好友后，他立刻登门负荆请罪。
After learning he had misunderstood his close friend, he immediately went to his door to offer a humble apology.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 负荆请罪
- Pinyin: fù jīng qǐng zuì
- Literal Translation: carry, thorn branches, request, punishment
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4