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不识抬举

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: bù shí tái ju
  • English Translation: Failing to appreciate a favor (ungrateful and arrogant)
  • Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not or no; a negation.）＋「识」（To recognize, know, or understand.）＋「抬举」（To favor, promote, or lift someone up (metaphorically, to show someone special regard).）
  • Meaning: To fail to recognize or appreciate the kindness, favor, or promotion shown by others, often resulting in a rejection of that goodwill or an arrogant attitude. It implies the person is ungrateful or does not know their place.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不识抬举」 contains the following nuances:

  • The Nuance of 'Taiju' (抬举): The term 抬举 (tái ju) originally refers to a superior lifting up or promoting a subordinate. Therefore, this idiom is usually used by someone in a higher position (or the one providing the favor) who is offended by the other person's lack of gratitude.
  • Strong Condemnation and Warning: This is not a neutral observation of 'not being thankful.' It carries a strong tone of anger, implying the person is 'insolent' or 'doesn't know their place' (身の程知らず). It suggests that the speaker feels their status or kindness has been insulted.

3. Usage

「不识抬举」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Rejecting a kind offer: Used when someone rejects a helpful suggestion or a special opportunity with an ungrateful attitude.
    • Example:「我好心给你介绍工作，你却挑三拣四，真是太不识抬举了！」
      （I was kind enough to introduce a job to you, but you're being picky; you really don't know how to appreciate a favor!）
  • Criticizing arrogance: Used when someone fails to take a graceful exit or continues to act out despite being shown leniency.
    • Example:「老板已经给了他台阶下，他还是不依不饶，简直是不识抬举。」
      （The boss already gave him a way to save face, but he's still being relentless; he simply doesn't know when he's well off.）
  • As a threat or warning: Used to warn someone that if they continue to reject goodwill, there will be consequences.
    • Example:「别给脸不要脸，你要是再不识抬举，就别怪我不客气。」
      （Don't push your luck; if you continue to be so ungrateful, don't blame me for getting tough with you.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 既然他不识抬举，我们也没必要再帮他了。
    （Since he fails to appreciate our kindness, there is no need for us to help him anymore.）
  2. 这个人太不识抬举，把大家的一番好意当成了驴肝肺。
    （This guy is so ungrateful; he completely mistook everyone's good intentions for malice.）
  3. 我多次邀请他参加项目，他都冷淡拒绝，有点不识抬举了。
    （I've invited him to join the project many times and he's coldly refused; he's not showing much appreciation for the opportunity.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Usage Warning: This is a very aggressive and 'top-down' expression. Except when joking with very close friends, using this with equals or superiors is a major insult. It is fundamentally based on the speaker's pride in providing a benefit.
  • Literary Origins: This phrase appears in classic Ming Dynasty novels such as Journey to the West (西游记) and Investiture of the Gods (封神演义). Historically, it was often used by those in power to berate those who did not submit to their will.
  • Related Expressions: It is frequently paired with the slang 给脸不要脸 (gěi liǎn bù yào liǎn), which means 'being given face but not wanting it,' expressing extreme anger toward someone who ruins the 'face' (social standing) provided to them.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

The idiom 不识抬举 (bù shí tái ju) is a critical expression used to rebuke someone who does not appreciate the favor or support offered to them. The term 抬举 (tái ju) literally means to 'lift up' or 'promote' someone. When someone is described as 'not recognizing' this lifting, it suggests they are being insolent or ungrateful. It is a highly condescending and aggressive phrase, typically used by someone who feels they have done the other person a significant favor.

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