Chinese idiom · 成语
衣锦还乡
Meaning
Return home in brocade; triumphant homecoming.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical accountLiang Shu (梁書), volume 9, records Emperor Wu sending Liu Qingyuan off to take a senior appointment in Yongzhou. At the farewell at Xinting, the emperor speaks of Liu returning to his home region in brocade and says that he need no longer worry about the western frontier. The exact idiom occurs in this expression of confidence in a trusted official.
Fine brocade clothing symbolizes the status gained through a successful career. An earlier related image appears in Xiang Yu's remark that wealth without returning home is like wearing brocade at night, when nobody can see it. The modern expression describes returning home with visible success; literal silk clothing is not required.
In everyday life
拿到国际比赛的奖杯后，他衣锦还乡，和家人分享喜悦。
After winning a trophy in an international competition, he returned home in triumph to share the joy with his family.
A successful return to one's hometown; modern mainland yī and traditional yì are both encountered.