Trả bích

Definition

1. Verb phrase (idiomatic):
   • To return a jade disc (unwanted gift): To politely refuse or return a gift that is considered too valuable or inappropriate to accept, often to demonstrate integrity or a lack of greed.
   • To return something to its original owner: To give back an item, often something precious, to its rightful owner, emphasizing a principled and honest act.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Ông ấy đã trả bích món quà quá đắt tiền. (He returned the overly expensive gift.)
  • Hành động trả bích của anh thể hiện sự liêm chính. (His act of returning the jade demonstrated integrity.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase originates from a classical Chinese historical anecdote involving Chong'er (later Duke Wen of Jin). It is used in formal or literary contexts to describe an act of high moral principle, especially when refusing a bribe or an undue advantage.

Variants and Related Words

• Trả lại (v): to return, to give back (a general, non-idiomatic term).
  • Cô ấy trả lại cuốn sách cho thư viện. (She returned the book to the library.)

Synonyms

• To decline gracefully: To refuse something politely.
• To reject a gift: To not accept a present.
• To restore: To give something back to its owner.

Related Idioms

• Từ chối thanh cao: to refuse nobly; a noble refusal.
  • Lời từ chối thanh cao của ông giống như trả bích. (His noble refusal was like returning the jade disc.)