📖 Meaning
A metaphor for recovering something that was lost, or for a person returning after a long absence. It evokes the idea that what rightfully belongs to a place or person will eventually come back when conditions are restored.
📜 Origin Story
During the Eastern Han dynasty, the Hepu commandery (in modern-day Guangxi) was famous for its sea pearls, but corrupt officials had driven the pearl-producing oysters away. When the upright official Meng Chang was appointed governor, he abolished corrupt practices and governed with integrity. Within less than a year, the pearls miraculously returned to Hepu's waters, and the people's livelihoods were restored.
💡 Example Usage
丢失多年的古画终于合浦珠还，老人激动得热泪盈眶。
The ancient painting lost for many years finally returned like the pearls of Hepu, and the old man was moved to tears.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 合浦珠还
- Pinyin: hé pǔ zhū huán
- Literal Translation: Hepu, pearl, return
- Category: Recovery
- Characters: 4