📖 Meaning
A metaphor for the reversal of proper order, where superiors and inferiors occupy the wrong positions and the distinction between the noble and the lowly is disregarded. It is synonymous with the idiom 冠履倒易 (guān lǚ dào yì).
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the preface to the annotated edition of the classic novel Water Margin, written by the Ming dynasty philosopher and literary critic Li Zhi (李贽). The full passage states that since the Song dynasty declined, order was overturned so that great sages were relegated to low positions while unworthy men held high office. Li Zhi used this metaphor to describe the political chaos and moral inversion that drove righteous heroes to rebellion.
💡 Example Usage
朝政腐败，冠屦倒施，贤才报国无门。
The court was corrupt, with the natural order of rank inverted, leaving worthy talents with no way to serve the nation.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 冠屦倒施
- Pinyin: guàn jù dǎo shī
- Literal Translation: hat, shoes, inverted, placed
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4