📖 Meaning
Originally used to describe the perfection of laws and decrees. Now it refers to any inviolable precept, sacred rule, or unchangeable regulation that must be strictly observed and cannot be altered.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Han dynasty scholar Yang Xiong's work "Ju Qin Mei Xin" (《剧秦美新》), where he praised the ideal legal system with the phrase "懿律嘉量，金科玉条" (perfect laws and measures, golden statutes and jade articles). The phrase likened well-crafted laws to precious jade and gold, emphasizing their flawlessness and enduring value. Later, Qing dynasty writer Li Baojia used it in his satirical novel "Officialdom Unmasked" (《官场现形记》) to describe unshakeable workplace conventions. Over time, the idiom evolved from describing legal perfection to referring to any binding rule or principle that must be followed without question.
💡 Example Usage
公司的规章制度在员工心中就是玉律金科，谁也不敢违背。
The company's rules and regulations are regarded as sacred and inviolable precepts in the minds of employees, and no one dares to violate them.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 玉律金科
- Pinyin: yù lǜ jīn kē
- Literal Translation: jade, law, gold, statute
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4