📖 Meaning
This idiom describes something that exists in name only, lacking actual substance or reality. It refers to a situation where the outward title or appearance does not match the underlying truth, essentially a hollow shell of what it claims to be.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Book of Han' (《汉书》), specifically in the 'Biographies of Model Officials: Huang Ba' section. Minister Chen Chang (臣敞) defended himself by stating he did not dare slander the Chancellor, but warned that many officials were merely going through the motions — putting on a show of governance while engaging in superficial conduct. He described this behavior as '有名亡实', having the name but not the substance. The phrase later became a set idiom synonymous with '有名无实'.
💡 Example Usage
这家公司号称行业龙头，实则有名亡实，连年亏损不断。
This company claims to be an industry leader, but it exists in name only, suffering continuous losses year after year.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 有名亡实
- Pinyin: yǒu míng wáng shí
- Literal Translation: have, name, lose, substance
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4