be jealous of the virtuous and able; resent the worthy
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
be jealous of those who are more virtuous and capable than oneself; resent the worthy and talented
formalThis idiom describes a negative and petty attitude, often used to criticize people in positions of power who suppress subordinates out of envy. It carries a strong derogatory connotation.
Zuò作
wéi为
yī一
gè个
lǐng领
dǎo导
，
zuì最
jì忌
huì讳
de的
jiù就
shì是
jí嫉
xián贤
dù妒
néng能
。
As a leader, the biggest taboo is being jealous of the virtuous and capable.
Tā他
xīn心
xiōng胸
xiá狭
zhǎi窄
，
zǒng总
shì是
jí嫉
xián贤
dù妒
néng能
，
shǒu手
xià下
liú留
bú不
zhù住
rén人
cái才
。
He is narrow-minded and always resents the worthy and talented, so he cannot retain talent under him.
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Lì历
shǐ史
shang上
，
xǔ许
duō多
hūn昏
jūn君
dōu都
yīn因
jí嫉
xián贤
dù妒
néng能
ér而
wù误
guó国
。
In history, many incompetent rulers brought ruin to their states because they were jealous of the worthy and able.