📖 Meaning
An elder statesman who has served under three successive reigns or administrations. In modern usage, it refers to a person with the longest tenure, deepest experience, and highest seniority within an organization or institution.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Book of the Later Han' (《后汉书·章帝纪》), where it describes Jie Xiang Hou Xi (节乡侯熹), who acted as Grand Commandant (太尉) and held office through three successive reigns, being honored as a founding elder of the state. The original text reads '三世在位，为国元老' — 'serving in office through three generations, an elder statesman of the nation.' Over time, the expression shifted from a literal reference to imperial officials serving three emperors to a general term for any long-serving, highly respected veteran. The Qing dynasty writer Pu Songling later used it as the title of a satirical tale in 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' (《聊斋志异》).
💡 Example Usage
他在公司工作了三十年，是名副其实的三朝元老。
Having worked at the company for thirty years, he is a true elder statesman of the organization.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 三朝元老
- Pinyin: sān cháo yuán lǎo
- Literal Translation: three, court/reign, senior, elder
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4