📖 Meaning
To repent of one's past mistakes and resolve to start life anew. It describes someone who feels genuine remorse for previous wrongdoings and makes a determined effort to reform and become a better person.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom traces back to the "Records of the Grand Historian" (史记), in the biography of Prince Bi of Wu. According to ancient law, his offense warranted execution, but Emperor Wen of Han could not bear to carry it out, instead bestowing upon him a stool and cane as a gesture of mercy. The emperor's kindness was so profound that Bi was expected to correct his faults and begin anew. A later usage appears in the "New Book of Tang" (新唐书), where the official Feng Yuanchang used kindness and trust to persuade bandits to repent and reform, leading them to shed their armor and submit willingly.
💡 Example Usage
出狱后他决心悔过自新，重新开始自己的生活。
After being released from prison, he resolved to repent of his past and start his life anew.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 悔过自新
- Pinyin: huǐ guò zì xīn
- Literal Translation: regret, fault, self, new
- Category: Recovery
- Characters: 4