📖 Meaning
Originally referring to the Jade Hall and Golden Horse Gate of the Han dynasty imperial palace, this idiom metaphorically describes a person of outstanding literary talent who attains high official rank, wealth, and prestige. It conveys the ideal of scholarly success leading to the highest echelons of power and honor.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom first appears in 'Jie Chao' (解嘲) by the Han dynasty scholar Yang Xiong (扬雄). In this essay, Yang Xiong consoles himself by imagining a day when he would 'pass through the Golden Gate and ascend the Jade Hall,' referring to the innermost chambers of the Han imperial court. The Jade Hall (玉堂) was a prestigious palace hall, and the Golden Horse Gate (金马门) was a renowned palace gate where distinguished scholars awaited imperial summons. Over time, the paired phrase became a byword for the pinnacle of scholarly and official success.
💡 Example Usage
他寒窗苦读二十载，终得玉堂金马之荣。
After twenty years of relentless study by a cold window, he finally attained the honor and prestige of the highest official rank.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 玉堂金马
- Pinyin: yù táng jīn mǎ
- Literal Translation: jade hall, golden horse
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4