瓜代之期 — “The time when one's term of office or duty expires”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 瓜代之期?

瓜代：指任期期满。指任期期满的时期

瓜代之期 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “the time when one's term of office or duty expires”. The end of one's tenure.

Frequency

瓜代之期 Pronunciation and Pinyin

瓜代之期 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
瓜	guā	5	Melon or gourd
代	dài	5	replace; generation; era
之	zhī	4	possessive or connective particle
期	qī	12	period of time

Example Sentence with 瓜代之期

项目负责人提醒大家，瓜代之期将近，要抓紧时间完成收尾工作。

The project manager reminded everyone that the expiration of their term was approaching, urging them to complete the final tasks promptly.

Origin and Story of 瓜代之期

During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xiang of Qi, allied with the states of Song and others, attacked the state of Wei. Duke Zhuang of Lu came to Wei's aid and defeated Duke Xiang of Qi.

After this, Duke Xiang of Qi dispatched his generals, Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu, to garrison Kuiqiu.

Feeling resentful about their assignment, they inquired about the exact time they would be relieved of their duty. Duke Xiang casually replied, "When the melons ripen, you shall be replaced."

The following year, when the melons were ripe, Lian Cheng sent a messenger to present melons to Duke Xiang, subtly reminding him of his promise. Enraged by this reminder, Duke Xiang's anger ultimately provoked Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu to rebellion.

The phrase "瓜代" (melon replacement) later came to signify the expiration of one's term of office.