盖棺定论 Final Verdict
Explanation
比喻事情的真相或结论只有在事情结束或人死后才能确定。
Metaphor: The truth or conclusion of a matter can only be determined when the matter is over or the person is dead.
Origin Story
话说古代一位德高望重的丞相，辅佐君王多年，政绩卓著，深受百姓爱戴。然而，他晚年却因受奸臣陷害，被罢免官职，含冤而死。一时间，关于他的评价褒贬不一，有人赞扬他功绩显赫，也有人指责他贪赃枉法。直到他死后多年，真相才逐渐浮出水面，他的忠诚和清廉得以昭雪，人们才对他的一生作出最终的评价，可谓是盖棺定论。
Once upon a time, in ancient China, there lived a highly respected prime minister. He had served the king for many years, achieving great accomplishments and earning the love of the people. In his later years, however, he was framed by a treacherous minister, dismissed from his post, and died a wrongful death. For a time, opinions about his legacy were sharply divided. Some praised his remarkable achievements, while others accused him of corruption and injustice. It wasn't until many years after his death that the truth gradually emerged. His loyalty and integrity were vindicated, allowing people to reach a final judgement on his life. This is the origin of the idiom "盖棺定论".
Usage
用于对一个人或一件事作出最终的评价，通常用于人死后。
Used to make a final evaluation of a person or thing, usually after the person's death.
Examples
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他的成就，只有盖棺定论之后才能评价。
ta de chengjiu, zhiyou gaiguan dinglun zhihoucaineng pingjia.
His achievements can only be evaluated after his death.
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对他的功过是非，现在还不能盖棺定论。
dui ta de gongguo shifei, xianzai hai buneng gaiguan dinglun.
It is too early to judge his merits and demerits now.