usurp another's property; seize what belongs to others
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to occupy what belongs to another; to usurp another's house, land, or property by force
formalFrom the Book of Songs (Shijing): "The magpie has a nest, but the turtledove dwells in it." Used metaphorically to describe forcibly taking over another's home, position, or assets. Often carries a negative connotation.
Zhè这
jiā家
huo伙
chèn趁
zhe着
lǎo老
bǎn板
chū出
guó国
，
què鹊
cháo巢
jiū鸠
zhàn占
，
bǎ把
gōng公
sī司
kòng控
zhì制
le了
。
This guy took advantage of the boss being abroad to seize control of the company.
Zhè这
xiē些
qīn侵
lüè略
zhě者
què鹊
cháo巢
jiū鸠
zhàn占
，
qiáng强
zhàn占
le了
nóng农
mín民
de的
tǔ土
dì地
。
These invaders occupied the peasants' land by force.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Tā他
què鹊
cháo巢
jiū鸠
zhàn占
，
bǎ把
rén人
jiā家
de的
fáng房
chǎn产
jù据
wéi为
jǐ己
yǒu有
。
He seized the other person's real estate and claimed it as his own.