to bring a birch and ask for a flogging; to offer a humble apology
In the Warring States Period (zhàn guó 戰國, 475-221 BC), Lian Po and Lin Xiangru were both officials of the State of Zhao. Having rendered outstanding service, Lin Xiangru was promoted above Lian Po. Disgrunted, Lian Po announced that he intended to humiliated Lin the next time he met him. Lin Xiangru, putting the benefit of the country first, avoided Lian Po in order not to cause conflict, thus bringing opprobrium on himself. Later when Lian Po realised his mistake, he was so ashamed that he went to Lin’s home carrying brambles on his naked back and asking for punishment.
This idiom indicates acknowledging one’s mistake and offering a sincere apology.
to bring a birch and ask for a flogging; to offer a humble apology
In the Warring States Period (zhàn guó 戰國, 475-221 BC), Lian Po and Lin Xiangru were both officials of the State of Zhao. Having rendered outstanding service, Lin Xiangru was promoted above Lian Po. Disgrunted, Lian Po announced that he intended to humiliated Lin the next time he met him. Lin Xiangru, putting the benefit of the country first, avoided Lian Po in order not to cause conflict, thus bringing opprobrium on himself. Later when Lian Po realised his mistake, he was so ashamed that he went to Lin’s home carrying brambles on his naked back and asking for punishment.
This idiom indicates acknowledging one’s mistake and offering a sincere apology.