📖 Meaning
Refers to holding high-ranking official positions in government. The phrase comes from the Tang dynasty practice of awarding turtle bags and fish bags as insignia of official rank. It symbolizes attaining prominent and prestigious office.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'New Book of Tang: Treatise on Carriages and Dress' (《新唐书·车服志》). During the Tang dynasty, Emperor Gaozong bestowed fish bags upon officials of the fifth rank and above. In the second year of the Tianshou era (691 CE), Empress Wu Zetian replaced the fish insignia with turtle bags—gold for the third rank and above, silver for the fourth, and bronze for the fifth. When Emperor Zhongzong first took the throne, he abolished the turtle bags and restored the fish bags. The alternating use of turtle and fish insignia thus became a symbol of high official status.
💡 Example Usage
他一生悬龟系鱼，位极人臣，却始终不忘布衣本色。
He spent his life holding the highest official ranks, yet never forgot his humble origins.
🏷️ Category
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🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 悬龟系鱼
- Pinyin: xuán guī@jì yú
- Literal Translation: suspend, turtle, fasten, fish
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4