小人得志

MEANING

1. 壹名noun

   lit. a vile character flourishes (idiom)

   • xiǎoréndézhì,jūnzǐshīyì.

     小人得志，君子失意。🔊

     The petty man achieves his ambitions while the gentleman loses his way.

2. 貳名noun

   fig. an inferior person gets into a position of power, becoming conceited and arrogant

   • xiǎoréndézhì,déyìwàngxíng.

     小人得志，得意忘形。🔊

     When petty people succeed, they become so pleased with themselves that they lose all sense of propriety.