📖 Meaning
Refers to the four vices of arrogance, extravagance, licentiousness, and idleness. It describes a decadent lifestyle marked by unchecked luxury, sensual indulgence, and moral decay, often used to warn against the corrupting effects of wealth and power.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), a seminal historical text from the Spring and Autumn period, under the third year of Duke Yin of Lu (隐公三年). The passage reads: "骄奢淫佚，所自邪也" — meaning these four vices are the root of all depravity. It was part of a political admonition cautioning rulers that arrogance, extravagance, debauchery, and sloth inevitably lead to corruption and ruin. The idiom was later cited in Qing dynasty literature, notably in Li Lüyuan's novel Qilu Deng (《歧路灯》), where it describes a wealthy household's moral decline.
💡 Example Usage
他整日骄奢淫逸，挥霍无度，公司很快便败落了。
He spent his days in arrogance, extravagance, and debauchery, squandering money without restraint, and the company soon collapsed.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 骄奢淫逸
- Pinyin: jiāo shē yín yì
- Literal Translation: arrogant, extravagant, licentious, idle
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4