📖 Meaning
Originally referring to the ancient succession practice where, upon the death of an older brother who was ruler, the younger brother would ascend to the throne. It now also broadly refers to a younger brother taking over the position or enterprise of his deceased older brother.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Gongyang Commentary (《公羊传·昭公二十二年》), a Spring and Autumn period text interpreting the Spring and Autumn Annals. The commentary discusses the traditional succession principles of 'father dies, son succeeds; older brother dies, younger brother succeeds.' This brother-to-brother succession system was practiced in some ancient Chinese states, notably in the early Shang Dynasty and certain vassal states, before the strict primogeniture system became the dominant norm.
💡 Example Usage
古代有些诸侯国实行兄死弟及的继承制度。
In ancient times, some vassal states practiced a succession system where a younger brother inherited the throne upon the older brother's death.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 兄死弟及
- Pinyin: xiōng féi dì jí
- Literal Translation: older brother, dies, younger brother, succeeds
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4