Iron Rice Bowl
/ˌaɪərn ˈraɪs ˌboʊl/noun
A job or social position regarded as providing exceptionally secure, long-term benefits.
Did you know?The expression is an English translation of the Chinese socialist-era term 铁饭碗, which described guaranteed employment and welfare tied to state workplaces, especially before China’s economic reforms.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
饭碗 (fànwǎn)
“A rice bowl; figuratively, one’s livelihood or means of earning a living.”
20th Century
Chinese
铁饭碗 (tiě fànwǎn)
““Iron rice bowl,” a metaphor for employment that could not easily be taken away.”
1949–1970s
Chinese
铁饭碗
“A term associated with state employment, guaranteed wages, housing, healthcare, and other social benefits in socialist China.”
Late 20th Century
English
iron rice bowl
“A direct translation used in English-language discussions of China’s secure state-sector jobs.”
Modern English
English
iron rice bowl
“Any seemingly permanent, highly secure job or position, often used beyond its original Chinese context.”