📖 Meaning
This idiom describes an official who handles public affairs with calm composure and modest restraint while remaining fair and incorruptible. It conveys the ideal of a virtuous government servant who maintains personal integrity and does not use office for private gain. The phrase paints a picture of dignified, unhurried conduct in both duty and retirement.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Book of Songs (诗经), one of China's oldest extant collections of poetry, compiled during the Western Zhou dynasty. Specifically, it traces to the poem '羔羊' (Lamb) in the '召南' (Shao Nan) section, which reads '退食自公，委蛇委蛇' — describing an official retiring from his public duties in a calm, graceful manner. The character '委蛇' (wēi yí) was later written as '逶迤,' and the expression came to symbolize the composed modesty and incorruptible integrity expected of a righteous official.
💡 Example Usage
他一生逶迤退食，从不以权谋私，深受百姓爱戴。
Throughout his life he served with composed modesty and integrity, never abusing his power for personal gain, and was deeply loved by the people.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 逶迤退食
- Pinyin: wēi yí tuì shí
- Literal Translation: meandering, retire, eat
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4