狗尾续貂

狗尾續貂

gǒuwěi-xùdiāo

idiom #93,995

Meanings

1 use a dog's tail to continue a sable fur
2 an unworthy sequel or shoddy addition to a fine work
3 a poor follow-up

Characters

Examples

这部电影的续集完全是狗尾续貂，失望透了。

Zhèbù diànyǐng de xùjí wánquán shì gǒuwěi-xùdiāo, shīwàng tòu le.

This film's sequel is a total letdown — a cheap addition to a great original.

我再写下去恐怕只是狗尾续貂。

Wǒ zài xiěxià qù kǒngpà zhǐshì gǒuwěi-xùdiāo.

If I keep writing I'm afraid I'll only spoil what came before.

Tips

history

From 《晋书·赵王伦传》. Prince Sima Lun of the Jin dynasty appointed so many cronies that the supply of sable tails (worn as official insignia) ran out and dog tails had to be used instead. The phrase mocks degraded imitation of a fine original.

Stroke Order

狗 gǒu

尾 wěi

续 xù

貂 diāo