📖 Meaning
To fawn over those above while oppressing those below. It describes a person who is sycophantic toward superiors and tyrannical toward subordinates, revealing a servile yet bullying character.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Biography of An Tong in the Book of Northern History (北史·安同传). An Tong was an official during the Northern Wei dynasty, described as fair, gentle, and even-tempered. The text praises his loyalty and generosity, noting he never displayed anger or joy on his face and 'did not flatter superiors or suppress subordinates' (不谄上抑下). The phrase thus characterizes a corrupt behavioral pattern that An Tong notably avoided.
💡 Example Usage
他在官场上诌上抑下，很快便失去了同事们的信任。
He flattered superiors and oppressed subordinates in the bureaucracy, quickly losing the trust of his colleagues.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 诌上抑下
- Pinyin: zhōu shàng yì xià
- Literal Translation: flatter superiors, suppress subordinates
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4