📖 Meaning
This idiom means to rouse one's spirit and dedicate oneself to governing the country well. It describes a ruler who energizes their efforts to manage state affairs effectively. The phrase reflects the classical ideal of diligent and devoted governance.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom embodies the classical Chinese ideal of diligent governance, where 历精 (lì jīng) means to rouse one's spirits and 为治 (wéi zhì) means to govern. It reflects the Confucian expectation that a ruler should devote full energy to managing state affairs. No single definitive classical text is attributed as its origin. The phrase appears in historical discussions of virtuous and hardworking sovereigns throughout Chinese imperial history.
💡 Example Usage
新君即位后，历精为治，数年间便使国力大增。
After ascending the throne, the new emperor roused his spirit and devoted himself to governance, and within a few years the nation's strength greatly increased.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 历精为治
- Pinyin: lì jīng wéi zhì
- Literal Translation: rouse, spirit, for, govern
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4