cling and climb; attach oneself to the powerful
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to climb up by clinging to something
Typically used for plants like vines, or literally climbing by holding onto objects.
Pá爬
shān山
hǔ虎
pān攀
fù附
zài在
gǔ古
lǎo老
de的
qiáng墙
bì壁
shàng上
。
The ivy clings and climbs up the ancient walls.
Téng藤
wàn蔓
pān攀
fù附
zhe着
dà大
shù树
xiàng向
shàng上
shēng生
zhǎng长
。
The vines climb upward by clinging to the big tree.
verb
to attach oneself to powerful people to gain promotion; to curry favor with the influential
Metaphorical usage implying opportunistic social climbing; often carries a slightly negative connotation.
Tā他
kào靠
pān攀
fù附
quán权
guì贵
dé得
dào到
le了
kuài快
sù速
tí提
bá拔
。
He gained rapid promotion by attaching himself to powerful officials.
Tā她
bù不
xiè屑
yú于
pān攀
fù附
háo豪
mén门
，
xuǎn选
zé择
dú独
lì立
chuàng创
yè业
。
She disdained attaching herself to wealthy families, choosing instead to start her own business independently.
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Lì历
shǐ史
shàng上
xǔ许
duō多
jiān奸
chén臣
dōu都
shì是
kào靠
pān攀
fù附
huáng皇
hòu后
shàng上
wèi位
de的
。
Historically, many treacherous officials rose to power by currying favor with the empress.