📖 Meaning
The grace of being given a second life. It refers to a life-saving favor or profound kindness, as if the benefactor had recreated the recipient's very existence. Such a debt of gratitude is considered impossible to fully repay.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the 'Book of Song' (《宋书》), specifically in the biography of Wang Sengda (王僧达) during the Liu Song dynasty (420–479 CE). Wang Sengda was a nobleman and high-ranking official known for his literary talent and turbulent political career. The original quote states that 'the grace of recreating life should not be casually bestowed upon others,' meaning such an immense, life-restoring favor should not be given lightly. The concept reflects the traditional Chinese belief that life-saving kindness is the greatest of all debts, second only to the gift of life from one's parents.
💡 Example Usage
蒙将军再造之恩，末将没齿难忘。
I shall never forget the general's life-saving grace for as long as I live.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 再造之恩
- Pinyin: zài zào zhī ēn
- Literal Translation: again, create, of, grace
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4