This saying describes a situation where a powerful or talented person is humiliated by lesser individuals because they are in an unfavorable environment or have lost their usual advantages. It expresses sympathy for the fallen and criticizes those who take advantage of others' misfortune.
The dragon and tiger are symbols of power and majesty in Chinese culture. The saying reflects the Chinese belief in the importance of circumstances (时势) and the idea that even the greatest can be brought low by bad luck or wrong timing.
This saying serves both as a lament for the downtrodden and a warning about the fickleness of fortune. It signals that in Chinese culture, one's worth is often tied to their position, and that humility in success is wise because circumstances can change.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards