📖 Meaning
An idiom describing a well-governed place where laws and regulations are kept simple and few, the social atmosphere is harmonious, and crime is rare. It is commonly used to praise a local official for their effective and humane governance.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom appears in Chapter 11 of 'Current Records of China,' a late Qing dynasty literary collection. The story recounts how Magistrate An served as the county official of Jiaxing for one year. Under his administration, governance was simple and punishments were light — a state described as '政简刑清.' His superiors praised him highly for his capable and effective rule.
💡 Example Usage
这位县令到任后政简刑清，百姓安居乐业。
After this county magistrate took office, governance was simple and punishments were light, and the people lived in peace and contentment.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 政简刑清
- Pinyin: zhèng jiǎn xíng qīng
- Literal Translation: government simple, punishment light
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4