📖 Meaning
To wear fine silk clothing and eat meat. It describes a life of wealth and abundance. It can also refer to holding an official position and enjoying its salary.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'The Book of Lord Shang' (商君书·算地), a Warring States period text advocating legalist governance. The passage argues that if criminals are granted ranks, gentlemen lose their standing, and if one can wear brocade and eat meat, common people will covet such benefits. It also appears in the 'Continuation of the Romance of the Former Han Dynasty' (前汉书平话续集), where Han Xin (韩信) is described as merely hoping for a life of wealth and official position, rather than seizing military seals out of resentment at the foot of Mount Mangdang.
💡 Example Usage
他经过多年奋斗，终于过上了衣锦食肉的生活。
After years of struggle, he finally lived a life of fine clothes and rich food.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 衣锦食肉
- Pinyin: yì jǐn shí ròu
- Literal Translation: wear brocade, eat meat
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4