📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone who shamelessly works for or serves their enemy without any sense of disgrace or dishonor. It expresses deep contempt for a person who abandons loyalty, dignity, and moral principles to collaborate with adversaries. The phrase carries a strong moral condemnation, implying the person has completely lost all sense of shame.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom does not have a single recorded origin story tied to a specific historical text or dynasty. It is a compound expression formed from '腼颜' (shameless or brazen-faced) and '事仇' (to serve one's enemy). The concept of serving one's enemy was historically regarded as one of the gravest betrayals in Chinese culture, particularly during periods of dynastic transition and foreign invasion. Classical literature frequently employed such language to condemn collaborators and traitors who switched allegiances for personal gain.
💡 Example Usage
他投降后竟腼颜事仇，替敌人残害同胞，令人不齿。
After surrendering, he shamelessly served the enemy and helped them harm his own compatriots, drawing universal contempt.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 腼颜事仇
- Pinyin: miǎn yán shì chóu
- Literal Translation: shameless face, to serve, enemy
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4