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HSK 7-9
shèngflourishingairlíngto bullyrénpeople
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

zǒngshìshènglíngrénràngrénhěnshūfu
He is always overbearing, making people very uncomfortable.
yàoshènglíngrényàozūnzhòngbiéren
Don't be overbearing, respect others.

Usage & nuances

Often used to criticize someone's behavior.

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