Definition

1. Idiomatic phrase (Thành ngữ):
   • The honors and luxuries of a mandarin's life: A traditional Vietnamese idiom referring to the high social status, wealth, and privileges associated with being a high-ranking official (mandarin) in feudal society. It evokes images of a golden horse and a jade-adorned house, symbolizing extreme prestige and a life of comfort and power.

Usage Examples

• Idiomatic phrase:
  • Anh ấy mơ ước đạt được "kim mã ngọc đường". (He dreams of attaining the "golden horse and jade house" [the honors of a mandarin's life].)
  • Trong xã hội phong kiến, "kim mã ngọc đường" là biểu tượng của quyền quý. (In feudal society, "kim mã ngọc đường" was a symbol of nobility and high rank.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase is primarily used in literary, historical, or figurative contexts to describe supreme social success, luxury, and official honor, often with a classical or slightly ironic tone.
  • Đừng mơ tưởng đến chuyện "kim mã ngọc đường" mà hãy sống thực tế. (Don't fantasize about "the golden horse and jade house"; be more realistic.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quyền quý (n): Nobility, the aristocracy.
• Vinh hoa phú quý (idiom): Glory, splendor, wealth, and rank (a broader term for high status and riches).
• Công thành danh toại (idiom): To achieve both success and fame (focusing on accomplishment rather than material symbols).

Synonyms

• Địa vị cao sang: High and noble status.
• Nhà cao cửa rộng: A tall house with wide gates (indicating wealth and a large estate).

Related Idioms

• Lên voi xuống chó: To rise to greatness and then fall into misery (sometimes contrasted with the seemingly permanent status of "kim mã ngọc đường").
• Một bước lên mây: To rise to a high position suddenly (emphasizing the ascent, while "kim mã ngọc đường" emphasizes the resulting state).

1. Gold-horse and jade house; privileges of a mandarin