📖 Meaning
Refers to Li Bangyan, a chancellor under Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song dynasty, who neglected state affairs and lived a frivolous, pleasure-seeking life. The idiom is used to describe a high official who indulges in dissipation while ignoring his duties.
📜 Origin Story
During the Northern Song dynasty, Li Bangyan served as chancellor under Emperor Huizong and was notorious for his idle, extravagant lifestyle. He once boastfully claimed that he had 'enjoyed all the flowers, kicked all the balls, and held all the offices in the world.' The people of the capital mockingly nicknamed him the 'wastrel chancellor' (浪子宰相). The anecdote is recorded in the Song-era historical compilation San Chao Bei Meng Hui Bian (三朝北盟会编).
💡 Example Usage
李邦彦整日游乐不问政事，被百姓讥为浪子宰相。
Li Bangyan spent his days in idle amusement, ignoring affairs of state, and the people derisively called him the wastrel chancellor.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 浪子宰相
- Pinyin: làng zǐ zǎi xiàng
- Literal Translation: prodigal son, prime minister
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4