Definition
作威作福 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'to display authority and enjoy blessings,' but it's used as a strong negative expression for someone who abuses their power and acts tyrannically, bullying others without restraint. It's typically applied to rulers, bosses, or anyone in a position of authority who behaves oppressively. You'll often see it in writing or formal speech rather than casual conversation.
f.e.
(idiom, derogatory) to act tyrannicallyto abuse one's power and ride roughshod over others
Examples
- 作威作福，。Lìshǐ shàng yǒu xiē huángdì zuò wēi zuò fú, bú gù bǎixìng sǐhuó.In history, some emperors acted tyrannically, disregarding the suffering of the people.
- 作威作福，。Zhège lǐngdǎo zài dānwèi lǐ zuò wēi zuò fú, dàjiā dōu gǎn nù bù gǎn yán.This leader acts tyrannically in the office, and everyone is angry but dares not speak up.
- 作威作福，。Tā shēng zhí hòu jiù kāishǐ zuò wēi zuò fú, duì xiàshǔ yízhǐqìshǐ.After he got promoted, he started acting tyrannically, ordering his subordinates around arrogantly.
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