This describes someone who becomes overly excited, eager, or servile at the sight of money. It implies greed and a lack of dignity, often used to mock people who change their attitude when wealth is involved.
In a culture that historically valued scholar-officials over merchants, overt greed was looked down upon. This saying reinforces the idea that chasing money too eagerly is vulgar.
It's a humorous but sharp criticism that calls out materialistic behavior. Using it reminds people to maintain dignity and not let money dictate their character.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards