📖 Meaning
A metaphor for cruel and tyrannical powerful ministers. The idiom evokes the image of fierce tigers and leopards guarding the nine gates of the imperial palace. It describes corrupt officials who abuse their authority and obstruct access to the ruler.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom draws on ancient imagery of the nine gates of the imperial palace being guarded by fierce beasts such as tigers and leopards. It symbolizes how cruel and powerful ministers stand between the common people and the emperor, preventing grievances from reaching the throne. The phrase is synonymous with the idiom 九关虎豹 (jiǔ guān hǔ bào). Both expressions capture the danger and difficulty of passing through layers of oppressive officials.
💡 Example Usage
朝中九阍虎豹当道，忠臣难进一言。
With cruel and powerful ministers blocking the way at court, loyal officials found it impossible to voice a single word of counsel.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 九阍虎豹
- Pinyin: jiǔ hūn hǔ bào
- Literal Translation: nine, gate, tiger, leopard
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4