📖 Meaning
This idiom describes officials who levy and collect wealth from the common people despite their bitter resentment, in order to flatter and curry favor with their superiors. It condemns corrupt governance that sacrifices the welfare of the populace for personal advancement and political gain.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase reflects a pattern observed throughout Chinese imperial history, where venal local officials exploited ordinary subjects by imposing excessive taxes and levies, then used the extracted wealth to bribe and ingratiate themselves with higher authorities. Such behavior was repeatedly criticized in memorials to the throne and historical chronicles, particularly during the late Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties when bureaucratic corruption was rampant. The expression encapsulates the moral condemnation found in Confucian political thought toward those who abuse public office for private gain.
💡 Example Usage
贪官敛怨求媚，最终被朝廷革职查办。
The corrupt official exploited the people to flatter his superiors, but was ultimately stripped of his post and prosecuted by the imperial court.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 敛怨求媚
- Pinyin: liǎn yuàn qiú mèi
- Literal Translation: gather, resentment, seek, flatter
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4