📖 Meaning
To use one's achievements or contributions to make up for a past mistake or crime. It describes the act of offsetting a fault with good deeds in order to be forgiven or reduce punishment.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Han dynasty historian Xun Yue's 'Han Ji', which records that Duke Huan of Qi first had the merit of restoring the Zhou court, then later committed an offense, and a gentleman should weigh merits against faults to assess the balance. The expression was later popularized in Yuan dynasty drama, such as 'Ge Jiang Dou Zhi', where a character is allowed to redeem his offense through meritorious service. The idea became a common legal and military principle throughout Chinese history.
💡 Example Usage
他主动承认错误并立下战功，希望能将功赎罪。
He admitted his mistake and earned military merit, hoping to redeem his fault through good service.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 将功赎罪
- Pinyin: jiāng gōng shú zuì
- Literal Translation: use, merit, redeem, fault
- Category: Recovery
- Characters: 4