📖 Meaning
To use one's merits or achievements to atone for one's past faults or offenses. The phrase implies that good deeds and contributions can compensate for mistakes previously made, allowing a person to redeem themselves.
📜 Origin Story
The concept traces back to the Han dynasty historian Xun Yue's work 'Han Ji' (Chronicles of Han), where he discusses Duke Huan of Qi, who first earned merit by aiding the Zhou dynasty but later committed offenses. Xun Yue wrote that a gentleman weighs both merits and faults together, suggesting one can offset the other. The exact phrase '将功折罪' later appeared in the Yuan dynasty anonymous play 'Crossing the River to Match Wits' (隔江斗智), where a commander spares a subordinate and orders him to pursue the enemy to redeem his transgression through meritorious service.
💡 Example Usage
这次事故他虽有过失，但事后积极补救，总算将功折罪了。
Though he was at fault for this accident, he actively made amends afterward and ultimately redeemed himself through his efforts.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 将功折罪
- Pinyin: jiāng gōng zhé zuì
- Literal Translation: take, merit, offset, crime
- Category: Recovery
- Characters: 4