When someone of high status loses their position or wealth, they may be treated worse than ordinary people. It highlights the harsh reality that social standing is often tied to external circumstances, not inherent worth.
The phoenix is a symbol of nobility in Chinese culture, while the chicken represents the common. This saying reflects the pragmatic, sometimes cruel, nature of social hierarchies.
This saying serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility of fortune and the fickleness of public respect. It reminds people not to be arrogant in success, as status can be lost, and also to be aware that society may judge based on current standing rather than past glory.
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