📖 Meaning
Gong Yu and Wang Ji were close friends who shared the same values and aspirations. When Wang Ji held office, Gong Yu would prepare himself to serve as well. It metaphorically means being eager to assist someone who shares your ideals when they come to power.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Book of Han (汉书), specifically the Biography of Wang Ji. Wang Ji (courtesy name Ziyang) and Gong Yu were close friends in the Western Han dynasty, known for sharing the same moral principles and political ideals. People of the time said, 'When Wang Yang is in office, Duke Gong dusts off his cap,' meaning their choices in life were always aligned. The phrase later came to describe willingness to assist a like-minded person who has attained a position of influence.
💡 Example Usage
他听闻挚友升任要职，不禁贡禹弹冠，愿出仕相辅。
Hearing that his close friend had been promoted to an important post, he eagerly prepared to serve, like Gong Yu dusting off his cap to assist.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 贡禹弹冠
- Pinyin: gòng yǔ tán guān
- Literal Translation: Gong, Yu, dust off, official hat
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4