📖 Meaning
Refers to a high-ranking minister who holds office but is so inept and cowardly that he dares not voice approval or disapproval on any matter, merely occupying the position. It satirizes officials who draw a salary while contributing nothing, like someone who only shows up to share the meals at the government office.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the biography of Hu Quan in the 'History of Song' (宋史·胡铨传). During the Southern Song dynasty, the sycophant Sun Near (孙近) curried favor with the notorious chancellor Qin Hui (秦桧) by echoing his policies and was rewarded with the post of参知政事 (assistant administrator). The people, hungry for good governance after years of turmoil, eagerly awaited reform, yet Sun merely 'accompanied meals at the Central Secretariat' — he sat through cabinet sessions in silence, never daring to express a single opinion for or against any matter. The idiom thus became a lasting mockery of spineless, do-nothing officials.
💡 Example Usage
他身居高位却伴食中书，面对危局竟不敢置一词。
Holding a high office yet contributing nothing, he dared not voice a single word as crisis loomed.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 伴食中书
- Pinyin: bàn shí zhōng shū
- Literal Translation: accompany, eat, Central Secretariat
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4