expression, godan verb (-bu)
enter government service; become an official
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to tie the ribbon', referring to donning an official uniform and thereby entering public office. Used in formal or literary contexts.
See also: 綬を釈く (じゅをとく)
彼は若くして綬を結び、地方行政に尽力した。
He entered government service at a young age and devoted himself to local administration.
Antonym meaning 'to resign from office' or 'to retire from public service', literally 'to untie the ribbon'.
Derived from the practice of tying a ceremonial ribbon (綬) as part of an official uniform, symbolizing entry into government service.