Definition
This four-character idiom (成语) paints a vivid picture: an official leaving office with nothing but wind in his two sleeves — meaning he has taken no bribes and accumulated no illicit wealth. It is a high compliment used for upright, incorruptible officials, and carries strong moral praise in both historical and modern contexts.
idiom
to be incorruptibleto have clean hands (especially of an official)
Examples
- 两袖清风，。Nà wèi lǎo xiànzhǎng yìshēng liǎng xiù qīng fēng, shēn shòu bǎixìng àidài.That veteran county magistrate lived his whole life with clean hands, deeply loved by the people.
- 两袖清风。Míng cháo de Hǎi Ruì yǐ liǎng xiù qīng fēng ér wénmíng tiānxià.Hai Rui of the Ming dynasty was famous throughout the land for his incorruptibility.
- ，两袖清风，。Tā zuò guān sānshí nián, shǐzhōng liǎng xiù qīng fēng, bù liú bǎbǐng.He was an official for thirty years, always remaining incorruptible and leaving no handle for criticism.
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