綬じゅを解とく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

resign from a public position; leave government service

Rare, literary expression. Literally 'untie the ribbon (of the official seal)', used figuratively for resigning from an official post. The literal meaning is not used in modern Japanese.

See also: 綬を結ぶ

• 彼かれは長なが年ねんの勤つとめを終おえ、綬じゅを解とく決けつ意いを固かためた。

  After many years of service, he resolved to resign from his public position.