red-lacquered gate; wealthy family
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
red-lacquered gate (of a wealthy household)
literaryLiterally refers to the vermilion gates of wealthy homes in imperial China.
The red-lacquered gate of this mansion was tightly shut, appearing solemn and dignified.
The residences of wealthy families with vermilion gates often occupied entire streets.
noun
wealthy family; nobility; the rich
literaryMetonymic usage referring to the wealthy class by their distinctive gates. Often carries connotations of social inequality, alluding to Du Fu's famous line '朱门酒肉臭，路有冻死骨' (Behind vermilion gates meat and wine go to waste; on the road lie the frozen bones of the poor).
Behind vermilion gates, meat and wine go to waste; while on the road lie bones of those who froze to death.
Although born into a wealthy family, he did not indulge in luxury.
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In ancient society, there was an insurmountable chasm between the wealthy nobility and the poor families.
As the saying goes, a noble's house is as deep as the sea; the same is true of wealthy families.