作威作福

zuòwēizuòfú

idiom #31,595

Meanings

1 to throw one's weight around
2 to abuse one's power tyrannically
3 to ride roughshod over others

Characters

to wield; to do

intimidating power

to wield; to do

blessings; favours

Examples

他在公司里作威作福，员工敢怒不敢言。

Tā zài gōngsī lǐ zuòwēizuòfú, yuángōng gǎn nù bù gǎn yán.

He throws his weight around at the company; employees dare to be angry but not speak out.

贪官作威作福，最终被绳之以法。

Tānguān zuòwēizuòfú, zuìzhōng bèi shéngzhīyǐfǎ.

The corrupt official tyrannized over others and was eventually brought to justice.

Tips

history

From 《尚书·洪范》 (Book of Documents): '惟辟作福，惟辟作威' — 'only the sovereign may dispense rewards, only the sovereign may impose terror'. Originally describing the king's exclusive prerogative, it now scolds anyone who acts as if their authority were absolute.

Stroke Order

作 zuò

威 wēi

福 fú