📖 Meaning
This idiom describes capricious love and hatred that shift with circumstances. It refers to someone who praises and blames the same actions depending on whether they currently favor the person. It warns that affection can turn to resentment without any real change in behavior.
📜 Origin Story
The story comes from the chapter 'Shui Nan' in Han Feizi, written by the Legalist philosopher Han Fei during the Warring States period. Mi Zixia, a favorite of Duke Ling of Wei, once ate a sweet peach and gave the remaining half to the duke, who was moved and praised his devotion. Years later, when Mi Zixia lost his looks and the duke's favor, the duke condemned the very same act, accusing him of feeding him leftover peach. The story illustrates that when love changes, the identical deed shifts from virtue to offense.
💡 Example Usage
他待人余桃啖君，今日亲密无间，明日便视若路人。
He treats people with the fickleness of yu tao dan jun — inseparable today, total strangers tomorrow.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 余桃啖君
- Pinyin: yú táo dàn jūn
- Literal Translation: remaining peach, feed, lord
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4