📖 Meaning
Refers to the practice of appointing talented individuals to important official positions without adhering to the usual hierarchical order or seniority system. It emphasizes meritocracy over convention, rewarding ability over tenure.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Han' (《汉书》), specifically the biography of Dongfang Shuo (东方朔传). When Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝) first ascended the throne, he issued a decree to recruit方正 (upright), 贤良 (virtuous and worthy), 文学 (learned), and 材力 (talented) individuals from across the empire. Those selected were granted '不次之位' — positions of importance without regard to the normal ranking order, a bold break from tradition designed to bring fresh talent into government.
💡 Example Usage
汉武帝对有才之士待以不次之位。
Emperor Wu of Han treated talented individuals by granting them positions of importance without regard to rank.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不次之位
- Pinyin: bù cì zhī wèi
- Literal Translation: not, rank, of, position
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4