📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to the very beginning of an official's tenure, right when they first arrive at their post. It literally describes the moment an official steps down from their carriage upon reaching their assigned jurisdiction. It is commonly used to characterize the initial period of a new appointment.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Book of Sui (隋书), in the biography of Liu Xingben (刘行本), a Sui dynasty official. Liu stated, '然臣下车之始，与其为约' — 'when I first arrived at my post, I made an agreement with them.' The expression '下车' (dismounting from a carriage) served as a metaphor for an official reaching their jurisdiction to assume office. Over the centuries, '下车之始' became a standard literary expression for the commencement of an official's term. The Qing dynasty scholar Zeng Guofan also employed it in his preface '送江小帆同年视学湖北序'.
💡 Example Usage
新任知府下车之始，便微服私访民间疾苦。
Upon first taking office, the newly appointed prefect went incognito among the common people to learn of their hardships.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 下车之始
- Pinyin: xià chē zhī shǐ
- Literal Translation: descend, cart, of, beginning
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4