expression, godan verb (-ku)
enter government service; become an official
Literally 'to untie the brown robe', referring to the act of a commoner removing their plain clothing to don an official's uniform. Used in classical or literary contexts to describe someone entering government service.
See also: 官服
彼は若くして褐を解き、官途についた。
He entered government service at a young age.
褐を解くことを夢見て学問に励んだ。
He devoted himself to his studies, dreaming of becoming an official.