Meaning of 上行下效
上行下效 means subordinates follow the bad example set by their superiors; those below imitate those above (often referring to bad behavior). Pronounced shàng xíng xià xiào.
- subordinates follow the bad example set by their superiors; those below imitate those above (often referring to bad behavior)
Definitions & Examples
Lǐng领
dǎo导
tān贪
wū污
shòu受
huì贿
，
xià下
shǔ属
shàng上
xíng行
xià下
xiào效
，
zhěng整
gè个
dān单
wèi位
dōu都
fǔ腐
bài败
le了
。
The leaders were corrupt and took bribes, and their subordinates followed their bad example, so the whole unit became rotten.
Jiā家
zhǎng长
yán言
xíng行
bù不
yī一
，
hái孩
zi子
shàng上
xíng行
xià下
xiào效
，
yě也
huì会
yǎng养
chéng成
huài坏
xí习
guàn惯
。
If parents do not practice what they preach, children will follow their example and develop bad habits.
Rú如
guǒ果
lǎo老
shī师
jīng经
cháng常
chí迟
dào到
，
xué学
shēng生
yě也
huì会
shàng上
xíng行
xià下
xiào效
，
bù不
zūn遵
shǒu守
jì纪
lǜ律
。
If teachers are often late, students will follow that bad example and not observe discipline.
Relations
Antonyms