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liǎng 两 xiù 袖 qīng 清 fēng 风

两袖清风 liǎng xiù qīng fēng

honest and incorruptible; an official with nothing but a clean breeze in his sleeves

Literally: two sleeves clear wind

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Origin

Associated with the Ming official Yu Qian, who wrote 清风两袖朝天去,免得闾阎话短长 when refusing to bring gifts to the capital.

How to use it

Predicate or attributive; positive, said of officials. Often 一生两袖清风.

Example sentences

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  1. 这位老市长一生两袖清风，退休时连房子都是租的。
    Zhè wèi lǎo shìzhǎng yìshēng liǎng xiù qīng fēng, tuìxiū shí lián fángzi dōu shì zū de.
    This old mayor was incorruptible all his life; when he retired, even his house was rented.
    this (measure) old mayor whole life two sleeves clear wind, retire time even house all is rent (particle)
  2. 他为官几十年，两袖清风，深受百姓爱戴。
    Tā wéi guān jǐ shí nián, liǎng xiù qīng fēng, shēn shòu bǎixìng àidài.
    He served as an official for decades, honest and incorruptible, and was deeply loved by the people.
    he be official several ten year, two sleeves clear wind, deeply receive common-people love-support

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