📖 Meaning
Both one's reputation and social standing are secure and stable. It describes a life of comfort and ease, where a person enjoys both public esteem and personal well-being without worry.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom is a variant of the older expression "身名俱泰" (shēn míng jù tai), which first appeared in the Southern Dynasties work "世说新语" (A New Account of the Tales of the World), compiled by Liu Yiqing. The phrase was spoken by the Western Jin dynasty official Shi Chong (石崇, 249–300 CE), who famously declared that a gentleman should have both his person and his reputation in a state of peace and prosperity. Shi Chong himself was known for his immense wealth and extravagant lifestyle. Over time, the character "俱" (both) was sometimes replaced with "两" (two/both), giving rise to this variant form with the same meaning.
💡 Example Usage
他晚年身名两泰，子孙绕膝，安享天伦。
In his later years, he enjoyed both a secure reputation and a comfortable life, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, savoring domestic bliss.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 身名两泰
- Pinyin: shēn míng liǎng tai
- Literal Translation: body, reputation, both, peaceful
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4