Chinese idiom · 成语
东山再起
Meaning
To rise again from East Mountain; to make a comeback.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical anecdoteShishuo Xinyu (世說新語), Pai Diao (排調), describes Xie An living at East Mountain and repeatedly declining official summons. When he finally accepts a military-administrative post under Huan Wen, officials gather at Xinting to see him off. Gao Ling jokingly recalls how people had worried about the common people if Xie would not serve, then asks what the common people will now do with him. Xie smiles without answering.
The episode links the mountain retreat with a return to public responsibility. Jin Shu also records Xie An’s career. Later the idiom expands from resuming office after retirement to regaining influence or success after a setback.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
停业两年后，这家老店靠新的外卖业务东山再起。
After two years closed, the old shop made a comeback through a new delivery business.
For renewed success or influence after withdrawal or failure.