← IDIOMS · SPEECH
HSK 7-9
shèng盛flourishingqì气airlíng凌to bullyrén人people
To be overbearing; to be arrogant and domineering.

Literal meaning

flourishing (盛) — air (气) — to bully (凌) — people (人)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase describing an arrogant attitude.

Examples

Tā他zǒng总shì是shèng盛qì气líng凌rén人,ràng让rén人hěn很bù不shū舒fu服。
He is always overbearing, making people very uncomfortable.
Bù不yào要shèng盛qì气líng凌rén人,yào要zūn尊zhòng重bié别ren人。
Don't be overbearing, respect others.

Usage & nuances

Often used to criticize someone's behavior.

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