📖 Meaning
To treat people of high and low social status with equal respect, making no distinction based on rank or wealth. It describes a fair and impartial attitude toward others regardless of their social standing.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Zhou dynasty text 'Jin Gui' (金匮), attributed to Lü Shang (吕尚), also known as Jiang Ziya or Tai Gong Wang, the renowned strategist who helped establish the Zhou dynasty. The original passage states '敬遇宾客，贵贱无二' — treat all guests with reverence, showing no difference between the noble and the humble. Lü Shang advocated that a ruler should welcome talent without prejudice, valuing virtue and ability over birth or status.
💡 Example Usage
他对待客人贵贱无二，从不以衣冠取人。
He treats all his guests equally regardless of their status, never judging people by their appearance.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 贵贱无二
- Pinyin: guì jiàn wú èer
- Literal Translation: noble, lowly, no, two
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4