Chinese Idiom: 东山再起 (Dong Shan Zai Qi)
English Translation: Rise again on the East Mountain
pīn yīn: dōng shān zài qǐ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to make a comeback or to rise again after a period of obscurity or failure. It is often used to describe someone who, after experiencing a setback or retreat, re-emerges with renewed success or influence.
Historical Source: 《晋书·谢安传》 (Book of Jin, Biography of Xie An)
Idiom Story:
Xie An (谢安), courtesy name Anshi, was a distinguished politician and scholar of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Despite his early brilliance and the Jin Dynasty’s attempts to offer him significant positions and roles, Xie An preferred a quiet life in his hometown of Kuaiji (modern-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang), avoiding public office and indulging in leisurely pursuits with friends like Wang Xizhi.
Xie An’s reputation was so great that the governor of Yangzhou, located in the capital city of Jiankang (modern-day Nanjing), repeatedly pressured him to take up an official position. Xie An reluctantly accepted a position for a month, then resigned on grounds of ill health, returning to his peaceful life.
During one sea voyage with friends, a sudden storm hit, and the boat was tossed by fierce waves. While everyone else was panicked, Xie An remained calm and composed, directing the boatmen to safety. His calm demeanor in crisis won him great respect.
In his forties, Xie An’s elder brother, Xie Yi, and cousin, Xie Shang, had died, and his younger brother, Xie Wan, had been dismissed after a military defeat. To preserve the family’s standing and interests, Xie An accepted a position as a military officer under General Huan Wen. A humorous remark from a colleague, Gao Song, pointedly criticized Xie An for his earlier reluctance to serve, saying that the people were now expecting him to step up, which led to Xie An’s return to official duties.
Eventually, Xie An became a prominent official, holding positions such as the Minister of Personnel and Chancellor. His strategic prowess was pivotal in the famous Battle of Fei River (383 AD), where he, along with his brother Xie Shi and nephew Xie Xuan, successfully defended the Eastern Jin Dynasty against the formidable army of the Former Qin, led by Fu Jian.
The phrase “东山再起” (Rise Again on the East Mountain) evolved to signify someone making a successful comeback after a period of withdrawal or failure, inspired by Xie An’s return to prominence and his ultimate achievements.
