This means that having personal connections or knowing someone in a position of power makes it much easier to accomplish tasks, whether it's getting a permit, a job, or a favor. It reflects the reality that relationships often trump formal procedures.
This saying is rooted in the concept of guanxi (关系), or personal connections, which is a fundamental part of Chinese social and business life. Trust is built through relationships, not just contracts.
This saying normalizes and validates the use of personal networks to navigate a complex and often opaque system. It signals that social capital is as important as formal credentials, and it encourages people to invest in building relationships.
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