📖 Meaning
Originally referring to ornate horse tack made of gold and jade used on fine steeds. Metaphorically, it represents high official rank, generous salary, and worldly honors. It conveys the allure of wealth and prestige associated with government service.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the 'History of Jin' (金史), in the biography of the recluse Zhao Zhi (赵质) under the 'Biographies of Recluses' section. When offered an official position, Zhao Zhi declined, saying his nature was wild and reclusive, his ambitions lay in vast forests and lush grasslands, and that golden bits and jade reins—symbolizing court honors and salary—were not what he desired. The story immortalizes the tension between worldly ambition and the desire for a free, untethered life.
💡 Example Usage
他功成身退，视金镳玉络如浮云，归隐山林。
Having achieved success, he retired from public life, viewing official honors and riches as fleeting clouds, and retreated to the mountains.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 金镳玉络
- Pinyin: jīn biāo yù luò
- Literal Translation: gold bit, jade reins
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4