curry favor with the powerful; play up to those in authority
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to curry favor with and attach oneself to the powerful and influential; to play up to those in authority
derogatoryA derogatory idiom describing someone who flatters and clings to people in power to gain personal benefits. Often used to criticize opportunistic behavior.
Tā他
wéi为
rén人
zhèng正
zhí直
，
cóng从
bù不
qū趋
yán炎
fù附
shì势
。
He is an upright person and never plays up to those in power.
Zài在
nà那
gè个
fǔ腐
bài败
de的
guān官
chǎng场
lǐ里
，
qū趋
yán炎
fù附
shì势
zhī之
fēng风
shèng盛
xíng行
。
In that corrupt officialdom, the practice of currying favor with the powerful was rampant.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Zhè这
zhǒng种
qū趋
yán炎
fù附
shì势
de的
xiǎo小
rén人
，
bù不
zhí值
dé得
xìn信
rèn任
。
Such a sycophantic villain is not worthy of trust.
Tā他
kào靠
zhe着
qū趋
yán炎
fù附
shì势
pá爬
shàng上
le了
gāo高
wèi位
。
He climbed to a high position by currying favor with the powerful.