Chinese Idiom: 死灰复燃 (Si Hui Fu Ran)
English Translation: Dead ashes reignite
pīn yīn: sǐ huī fù rán
Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who has fallen from power or influence but makes a comeback, regaining their former position.
Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记 · 韩长孺列传》).
Idiom Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, Han Anguo, an important minister, served under Prince Liu Wu of Liang. He earned Liu Wu’s trust and held a significant position. However, due to certain events, he was arrested and imprisoned in the Mengdi jail. Despite various attempts, Prince Liu Wu was unable to secure his release.
In the prison, the jailer, Tian Jia, assumed that Han Anguo had fallen from grace and frequently humiliated him. In response, Han Anguo retorted, “You see me as dead ashes. Do you think that dead ashes cannot reignite?” Tian Jia laughed mockingly, saying, “If the ashes were to reignite, I would just urinate to extinguish them!”
Han Anguo was left speechless in anger.
Not long after, the Empress Dowager learned of Han Anguo’s imprisonment. She recalled that he had played a crucial role in reconciling the estranged brothers, Emperor Jing and Prince Liu Wu, which made her highly value him. Consequently, she issued an edict for Liu Wu to employ Han Anguo again. He was released and appointed as the “Inner Historian” for Liu Wu.
Fearing retribution, Tian Jia fled during the night. However, Han Anguo spread rumors that if Tian Jia did not return soon, he would kill his entire family. Reluctantly, Tian Jia came back to apologize to Han Anguo.
With a hint of sarcasm, Han Anguo remarked, “Now that the ashes have reignited, you can go ahead and extinguish them.” Tian Jia, pale with fear, bowed repeatedly to plead for mercy. Han Anguo, remaining calm, said, “Get up. Someone like you is not worth my vengeance!”
Surprised and embarrassed, Tian Jia felt humiliated by the unexpected outcome. This story illustrates the concept of “死灰复燃,” highlighting that those who appear defeated may rise again, reclaiming their power and influence.
