middle of the road; in power; powerful official
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesnoun
middle of the road
informalOften used with "儿" (erhua) in speech. Warns someone not to block the way.
Don't stand in the middle of the road; you're blocking the way.
There's a bicycle lying across the path; we can't get through.
verb
to be in power; to hold political power
derogatoryUsed in a derogatory sense, often implying those in power are corrupt or wicked.
When treacherous officials are in power, the government becomes corrupt.
In that era, it was often the bad people who held power.
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When wolves and jackals are in power, why bother asking about foxes? (idiom: when big villains are in charge, don't blame the small ones)
noun
powerful official; those in power
archaicArchaic or literary term, often used in historical contexts to refer to high-ranking officials who control the government.
He wrote poems only to curry favor with those in power.
In the old days, scholars who wanted to realize their ambitions often had to attach themselves to powerful officials.
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Dissatisfied with the corruption of the powerful officials at court, this general indignantly resigned.