📖 Meaning
To promote upright and clean conduct while inspiring the moral standards of society. It describes the act of championing integrity to positively influence public customs and values.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from classical Chinese moral philosophy, reflecting the Confucian ideal that virtuous individuals should actively elevate societal standards. The phrase combines the concepts of 'raising up the clear' (promoting integrity) and 'encouraging customs' (motivating public morals). Though no single definitive literary source is recorded, it embodies the long-standing tradition in Chinese culture of using personal righteousness to reform and uplift community values.
💡 Example Usage
他一生为官清廉，立志扬清厉俗，深受百姓敬重。
Throughout his life as an official he remained uncorrupted, resolving to promote integrity and inspire public morals, earning the deep respect of the common people.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 扬清厉俗
- Pinyin: yáng qīng lì sú
- Literal Translation: raise, clear, encourage, customs
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4