褐かつを解とく

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

• 彼かれは若わかくして褐かつを解とき、官かん途とについた。

  He entered government service at a young age.

• 褐かつを解とくことを夢ゆめ見みて学がく問もんに励はげんだ。

  He devoted himself to his studies, dreaming of becoming an official.