‘弃暗投明’ is a classical four-character idiom meaning literally ‘to abandon darkness and turn toward light.’ It metaphorically describes the act of renouncing an evil, corrupt, or unjust cause—and choosing instead to support what is righteous, just, or morally correct. The characters work together symbolically: 弃 (to abandon), 暗 (darkness, representing ignorance, oppression, or wrongdoing), 投 (to throw oneself into, to join), and 明 (light, representing truth, virtue, or the legitimate side). Historically, it was often used in historical novels and political discourse to describe defection from a tyrannical regime to a just one.

Today, the phrase retains strong moral and ideological connotations. While less common in casual speech, it appears in formal writing, news commentary, literature, and speeches—especially when describing moral awakening, political realignment, or personal redemption. It carries a solemn, somewhat literary tone and implies conscious ethical choice rather than mere convenience.