越俎代庖 (yuè zǔ dài páo) — to overstep one's role and meddle in another's affairs; to do what is not one's job
Definition
A classical chengyu meaning to overstep one's role and meddle in someone else's job. Carries a strong negative judgment — the meddler is overreaching, not just helping. Used in formal or written contexts.
idiom
to overstep one's role and meddle in another's affairsto do what is not one's job
Examples
- ,越俎代庖。Zhè jiàn shì yǒu zhuān rén fù zé, wǒ men bú yào yuè zǔ dài páo.This matter has a designated person in charge; we shouldn't overstep and meddle.
- ,越俎代庖。Tā zǒng xiǎng chā shǒu bié rén de gōng zuò, zhè zhǒng yuè zǔ dài páo de xíng wéi ràng rén fǎn gǎn.He always wants to meddle in other people's work; this kind of overstepping behavior is off-putting.
- ,,越俎代庖。Zuò wéi gù wèn, wǒ zhī tí gōng jiàn yì, bú huì yuè zǔ dài páo qù zhí xíng jù tǐ rèn wu.As a consultant, I only offer advice; I won't overstep and carry out specific tasks.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.