📖 Meaning
To flatter those above oneself while oppressing those below oneself. It describes a sycophantic and bullying attitude toward people of different rank, showing subservience to superiors and cruelty to subordinates.
📜 Origin Story
Originates from the 'Biography of An Tong' in the Book of Northern History (北史·安同传), a history of the Northern dynasties. An Tong was a loyal Northern Wei official praised for his even temper and integrity. The text states that he was upright, gentle, loyal and kind, and that he 'never flattered superiors nor oppressed subordinates' (不谄上抑下). Over time, the phrase became a negative idiom characterizing hypocritical officials who curry favor upward while bullying downward.
💡 Example Usage
他为人谄上抑下，在公司里不得人心。
He flatters his superiors while bullying his subordinates, so he is widely disliked in the company.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 谄上抑下
- Pinyin: chǎn shàng yi xià
- Literal Translation: flatter, above, oppress, below
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4