📖 Meaning
To treat those of lower status or rank with genuine humility and courtesy, especially when one holds a high position. It describes a person of power or prestige who does not look down on others but instead shows sincere respect toward worthy individuals regardless of their social standing.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Wei Xuancheng' in the Book of Han (《汉书·韦玄成传》), a historical text from the Eastern Han dynasty compiled by Ban Gu. Wei Xuancheng was a prominent official and scholar of the Western Han dynasty, known for his erudition and moral character. The original text records that from a young age he was diligent in learning, carried on his father's scholarly legacy, and was especially humble and courteous toward scholars of lower status. His conduct became a model of how the powerful should treat the talented regardless of rank.
💡 Example Usage
他虽身居高位，却始终谦恭下士，深受下属爱戴。
Though he held a high position, he was always humble and courteous toward those below him, earning deep affection from his subordinates.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 谦恭下士
- Pinyin: qiān gōng xià shì
- Literal Translation: humble, respectful, lower oneself, scholars
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4