📖 Meaning
Literally refers to the tall banners and great flags used in the armies of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. It denotes the imposing military standards of a commander's camp. By extension, it is a metaphor for ostentatious power, prestige, and a grand display of authority.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Song dynasty essay 'Record of the Embroidered Robe Hall at Xiangzhou' (相州昼锦堂记) by the renowned scholar-official Ouyang Xiu. The essay was written in praise of Han Qi, a distinguished statesman and military leader, who returned in glory to his hometown of Xiangzhou. Ouyang Xiu reflected that compared to Han Qi's true virtue and achievements, even the tall banners and great military flags were not enough to be counted as his glory.
💡 Example Usage
将军高牙大纛，率师出征，威震四方。
With tall banners and great flags flying, the general led his army on campaign, his might shaking all directions.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 高牙大纛
- Pinyin: gāo yá dà dào
- Literal Translation: tall, commander's banner, great, military flag
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4