📖 Meaning
To resign from an official position and withdraw from public life to return home. It conveys the idea of deliberately stepping away from one's post or involvement in affairs to live a more private, quiet life.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase reflects a traditional Chinese ideal of retreating from officialdom, a concept deeply rooted in Confucian and Daoist thought. Throughout Chinese history, scholars and officials who grew disillusioned with court politics or wished to avoid danger would resign their posts and return to their hometowns. This practice was especially admired during periods of political turmoil, when leaving office was seen as both self-preservation and a moral statement.
💡 Example Usage
他在官场多年后决定退步抽身，回乡安度晚年。
After many years in officialdom, he decided to step back and withdraw, returning to his hometown to spend his later years in peace.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 退步抽身
- Pinyin: tui bu chou sheng
- Literal Translation: step back, withdraw body
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4