戴罪立功 Atone for one's crime by meritorious service
Explanation
带着罪过立功，以求减轻或免除处罚。比喻做了错事，之后努力做好事来弥补。
To atone for a crime by meritorious service to seek mitigation or exemption from punishment.A metaphor for someone who has done something wrong, and then tries to make up for it by doing good deeds.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，一位名叫李靖的将军，因战事失利，被皇上降罪。但他并未气馁，反而主动请缨，前往边疆抵御外敌。他率领将士奋勇杀敌，最终取得了辉煌的胜利，不仅保卫了国家，还为朝廷立下了赫赫战功。皇上念及他戴罪立功的功劳，不仅赦免了他的罪责，还将他封为大将军，从此名扬天下。
In the Tang Dynasty, a general named Li Jing was punished by the emperor for losing a battle. But instead of being discouraged, he volunteered to fight against foreign enemies on the border. He led his soldiers bravely into battle and finally won a glorious victory. He not only defended the country but also made great contributions to the court. The emperor, considering his meritorious service, forgave his guilt and appointed him as a grand general, making him famous.
Usage
用于褒义，形容做了错事后，通过努力取得成绩来弥补过失。
Used in a positive sense to describe someone who has made a mistake and then achieves success through hard work to make up for their mistake.
Examples
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将军戴罪立功，受到朝廷嘉奖。
jiangjun daizui ligong shoudào chaoting jiajiang
The general atoned for his crime by his meritorious service and was rewarded by the court.
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他虽然犯了错，但戴罪立功，最终被原谅了。
ta suīrán fànle cuò dàn dàizuì lìgōng zhōngjiū bèi yóngliǎole
Although he made a mistake, he atoned for his crime by meritorious service, and was finally forgiven.