This saying criticizes someone who abandons moral principles, loyalty, or friendship when personal gain is at stake. It implies that the person is untrustworthy and driven purely by self-interest.
In Chinese culture, '义' (righteousness/loyalty) is a core Confucian virtue, often valued above material gain. Betraying others for profit is seen as a grave moral failure.
This phrase serves as a moral warning and a label of social disapproval. By invoking it, speakers signal that they value integrity over greed and warn others to be cautious of such people.
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