📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to bad people seeking out and colluding with each other. It describes how wrongdoers naturally gravitate toward one another and form alliances for mutual benefit. The phrase carries a strongly negative connotation, condemning such partnerships of the wicked.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), specifically from the 13th year of Duke Zhao (昭公十三年), a chronicle of the Spring and Autumn period. In the original passage, the analogy is drawn to merchants in a marketplace who naturally gather together—the wicked likewise seek each other out, making collusion effortless. The Zuo Zhuan is one of the earliest and most important historical texts of ancient China, traditionally attributed to Zuo Qiuming of the Lu state.
💡 Example Usage
这两伙贪官同恶相求，共同侵吞国库钱财。
The two groups of corrupt officials colluded together, jointly embezzling money from the state treasury.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 同恶相求
- Pinyin: tóng è xiāng qiú
- Literal Translation: same, evil, mutually, seek
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4