📖 Meaning
To impose government monopolies on wine and taxes on tea. It broadly refers to oppressive or miscellaneous taxes levied on the people. The phrase conveys criticism of heavy taxation under autocratic rule.
📜 Origin Story
The term draws on historical fiscal practices in imperial China. '榷酒' (wine monopoly) dates back to the Han Dynasty, when Emperor Wu nationalized the liquor trade to fund military campaigns. '征茶' (tea taxation) became prominent during the Tang Dynasty, as tea grew into a major commodity and the state began levying duties on it. Together, the two practices symbolize the heavy, often burdensome tax policies imposed by successive dynasties on everyday goods.
💡 Example Usage
古代王朝为充实国库，榷酒征茶，百姓苦不堪言。
To fill the state treasury, the ancient dynasty imposed monopolies on wine and taxes on tea, leaving the common people in misery.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 榷酒征茶
- Pinyin: què jiǔ zhēng chá
- Literal Translation: monopoly wine, levy tea
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4