📖 Meaning
Refers to ornate horse tackle made of gold and jade, used as luxurious riding equipment. By extension, it metaphorically denotes high official rank, generous salary, and aristocratic privilege. The idiom evokes the imagery of nobility and wealth associated with fine equestrian gear.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the lyric (词) titled "接贤宾" (Jie Xian Bin) by Mao Wenxi (毛文锡), a court poet of the Former Shu (前蜀) dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The line reads "少年公子能乘驭，金镳玉辔珑璁," depicting a young nobleman skilled at riding, adorned with glittering golden bits and jade reins. Mao Wenxi was known for verses that portrayed aristocratic life and opulence. The idiom thus captures the splendor of elite equestrian culture in ancient China.
💡 Example Usage
贵族子弟骑着骏马，金镳玉辔，尽显荣华。
The young aristocrat rode a fine steed with golden bit and jade reins, displaying every sign of wealth and privilege.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 金镳玉辔
- Pinyin: jīn biāo yù pèi
- Literal Translation: gold, bit, jade, rein
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4