負荊請罪 - Zhictionary

Zhictionary

負荊請罪

负荆请罪

fùjīngqǐngzuì

lit. to bring a bramble and ask for punishment (idiom)
fig. to offer sb a humble apology

to offer someone a humble apology, requesting punishment and forgiveness

戰國時趙國大將廉頗與上卿藺相如不和，相如為社稷著想，每每退讓。廉頗得知後深覺自己無知，乃袒衣露肉，背負荊條，隨賓客到藺相如居所謝罪。典出《史記．卷八一．廉頗藺相如傳》。後世用來形容向對方承認錯，請求責罰和原諒。

重編國語辭典

向對方承認錯誤，請求責罰和原諒

Entry Composition

to proffer a birch and ask for a whipping -- to offer a modest apology

to apologize humbly
to beg forgiveness