📖 Meaning
Originally referring to being in a position of great height or authority. It now describes leaders or officials who are detached from reality and isolated from the people they govern, looking down on others from afar.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Classic of Poetry (诗经), specifically the Zhou Hymn 'Jing Zhi' (敬之) from the Zhou Dynasty. The original line cautions against thinking oneself lofty and remote, noting that Heaven watches over all affairs from above. Over time, the expression shifted from a reverent description of divine oversight to a critical characterization of leaders who distance themselves from the masses.
💡 Example Usage
有些干部高高在上，从不深入基层了解群众的真实需求。
Some officials sit loftily above the people, never going down to the grassroots to understand the real needs of the masses.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 高高在上
- Pinyin: gāo gāo zài shàng
- Literal Translation: high, high, at, above
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4