📖 Meaning
To be dressed in purple robes and carry a gold seal at one's waist — the attire of a high-ranking official in ancient China. By extension, it refers to attaining a lofty government position and enjoying its accompanying wealth and prestige.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom first appears in 'Casual Talks Under the Lamp' (《灯下闲谈》), a Song dynasty miscellany by an anonymous author. In the chapter 'The Official Who Seizes Surplus' (《掠剩大夫》), the narrator encounters a figure 'dressed in purple with gold at the waist, his spirit clear and his countenance ancient.' In the Tang and Song dynasties, purple robes were reserved for officials of the third rank and above, while the gold fish-shaped tally (金鱼袋) worn at the waist signified imperial favor. The phrase thus became shorthand for the trappings of high office and the power that came with it.
💡 Example Usage
他苦读十年，终于衣紫腰金，光宗耀祖。
After ten years of arduous study, he finally rose to high office, bringing honor to his ancestors.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 衣紫腰金
- Pinyin: yī zǐ yāo jīn
- Literal Translation: wear, purple, waist, gold
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4