📖 Meaning
When interacting with those in superior positions, one does not flatter or fawn upon them. The idiom praises the integrity and dignity of maintaining one's own principles regardless of the other person's rank or power. It embodies the Confucian ideal of principled, balanced conduct in social hierarchy.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Xici (系辞) commentary of the Book of Changes (易经), a foundational Zhou dynasty classic traditionally associated with Confucius and his followers. The full passage declares that a gentleman neither flatters when dealing with superiors nor shows disrespect when dealing with inferiors, articulating the Confucian ideal of conduct unswayed by social hierarchy. This formulation became a lasting touchstone for later Chinese scholars and officials describing moral integrity in public life. The text thus defines the gentleman's character through balanced, principled relationships at every level of society.
💡 Example Usage
他为人正直，上交不谄，深受同事敬重。
He is upright in character, never flattering his superiors, and is deeply respected by his colleagues.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 上交不谄
- Pinyin: shàng jiāo bù chǎn
- Literal Translation: above, associate, not, flatter
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4