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To perform meritorious deeds to atone for past crimes or wrongdoings, often in a legal or moral context.
犯人通过立功赎罪，获得了假释的机会。
The prisoner gained parole by redeeming himself through meritorious service.
他立下战功，立功赎罪，最终被判缓刑。
He performed meritorious military service and redeemed himself, ultimately receiving probation.
Commonly used in legal, military, or moral contexts to describe atonement through service.
This idiom reflects traditional Chinese views on justice, where punishment is balanced with opportunities for redemption. It is often used in discussions about legal reform or moral rehabilitation.
Use '立功赎罪' to describe situations where someone actively compensates for past mistakes through positive actions, especially in formal or legal contexts.
The idiom originates from ancient Chinese legal and moral philosophy, emphasizing the balance between punishment and redemption. '立功' (lì gōng) means 'to perform meritorious deeds,' while '赎罪' (shú zuì) means 'to atone for crimes.' The concept reflects Confucian ideals of moral rehabilitation.
This idiom is often used in formal contexts, such as legal proceedings, military service, or moral discourse. It implies that good deeds can offset past wrongdoings, though the primary focus remains on the wrongdoing itself.