📖 Meaning
Originally referring to feudal-era officials who, upon arriving at a new post, would immediately display their authority and harshly discipline subordinates. It now broadly refers to showing one's power or intimidating the other party right from the very beginning.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Preface' (序传) of the Book of Han (汉书), compiled during the Eastern Han dynasty. The passage describes Ban Bo (班伯), a young man from a noble family who volunteered to govern Dingxiang, a notoriously difficult commandery. The local people, hearing of his distinguished background and youth, feared that he would assert his authority the moment he arrived — '下车作威' — and so both officials and commoners trembled in apprehension.
💡 Example Usage
新任县令一到位就下车作威，弄得人人自危。
The newly appointed county magistrate asserted his authority the moment he arrived, leaving everyone on edge.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 下车作威
- Pinyin: xià chē zuò wēi
- Literal Translation: descend, carriage, make, authority
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4