chấp kinh tòng quyền

Definition

Idiom:
- To prioritize power over principles; to value authority more than righteousness: This idiom describes the act of abandoning or disregarding moral principles, ethical standards, or established rules in order to follow, submit to, or gain favor with those in power. It implies a pragmatic or opportunistic choice where power and authority are given precedence over justice or virtue.

Usage Examples

Idiom:
- Trong chính trường đôi khi người ta phải chấp kinh tòng quyền để tồn tại. (In politics, sometimes people have to prioritize power over principles to survive.)
- Anh ta đã chấp kinh tòng quyền, bỏ qua mọi lẽ phải để ủng hộ ông chủ. (He prioritized power over principles, ignoring all reason to support his boss.)
- Hành động chấp kinh tòng quyền của họ khiến công chúng vô cùng phẫn nộ. (Their act of valuing authority over righteousness made the public extremely indignant.)

Advanced Usage

This idiom is typically used in formal or literary contexts to critically describe behavior in politics, bureaucracy, or organizational hierarchies. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying criticism, compromise, and a lack of integrity.

Variants and Related Words

Quyền (n): Power, authority, right.
- Quyền lực: Power, authority.
- Quyền lợi: Rights and interests.
Chấp (v): To hold, to adhere to, to insist on (principles, rules).
Kinh (n, literary): Canons, classics, constant principles (often moral or ethical).
Tòng (v, literary): To follow, to obey.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Quyền biến: (n) A flexible, pragmatic change of tactics according to circumstances (can be neutral or slightly positive, unlike which is negative).
- Trong tình thế nguy cấp, cần có sự quyền biến. (In a critical situation, flexibility is needed.)
Theo đuổi quyền lực: To pursue power.

Related Idioms