purge the court of evil ministers; remove corrupt officials from the emperor's side
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to purge the court of evil ministers; to remove corrupt officials from the emperor's side; to cleanse the ruler's entourage
archaicOriginating from the Gongyang Zhuan commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, this idiom refers to the justification used by Zhao Yang of Jin to expel Xun Yin and Shi Jishe, who were described as 'evil men at the side of the ruler.' Historically, it has been used to legitimize political purges, coups, or military actions aimed at removing corrupt officials surrounding the emperor, sometimes serving as a pretext for indirectly challenging the emperor's authority. In modern usage, it appears in historical analysis, political commentary, or metaphorically to describe efforts to remove undesirable influences from a leader's inner circle.
Throughout history, coups were often launched under the banner of 'purging the court of evil ministers.'
He claimed his actions were intended to purge the court and eliminate treacherous ministers.
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This campaign was touted as a cleansing of the ruler's entourage, but was in reality a power struggle.
In ancient times, 'purging the court' was often a pretext for powerful ministers to seize power.