📖 Meaning
To abandon evil ways and return to the righteous path. It describes a person who reforms from wrongdoing and embraces a proper, moral life. The phrase emphasizes a genuine change of heart and conduct.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Three Kingdoms period, recorded in the Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志). In a decree issued by Liu Shan, the second emperor of Shu Han, he called upon those who would abandon evil and join the righteous cause to welcome the royal army with food and drink. The edict promised rewards and titles according to established regulations. Later literary works, such as Yuan dynasty playwright Liu Yuanqing's 'Sangshen,' used the phrase to urge warriors to forsake wrongdoing and become loyal generals serving the state.
💡 Example Usage
他决心去邪归正，重新做一个对社会有用的人。
He resolved to abandon his evil ways and return to a righteous path, becoming a useful person to society once more.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 去邪归正
- Pinyin: qù xié guī zhèng
- Literal Translation: discard, evil, return, upright
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4