"Qian Ju Hou Gong" (Haughty Before, Humble After) comes from The Strategies of the Warring States: Strategies of Qin I. It tells the story of Su Qin, who, after failing to persuade the King of Qin, returned home and was treated coldly by his family; his sister-in-law refused to cook for him. Later, Su Qin studied diligently and successfully persuaded the King of Zhao, and wore the seals of six states. When he passed through his hometown, his sister-in-law was extremely respectful to him. Su Qin asked his sister-in-law why she had been haughty before and humble after. Ju means arrogant; gong means respectful. This idiom describes a person who treats the same person or the same matter with an arrogant and rude attitude at first, but later becomes exceedingly respectful, with an attitude so completely different that it seems like two different people. It is mostly used to criticize those who are snobbish and trim their sails to the wind, and can also be used for self-mockery or to describe changes in interpersonal relationships. Its emotional tone is generally derogatory, with a sarcastic flavor, revealing the weakness in human nature of currying favor with those in power and judging people by status and wealth. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the hierarchical concepts and the fickleness of human relations in ancient society, and also warns people to remain sincere and not change their attitude because of changes in the other person's circumstances.
📝 Example
1. He used to give Old Zhang the cold shoulder, but now that Old Zhang has been promoted, he immediately switches from haughty to servile, acting incredibly warm. (Describes a change in attitude from arrogance to respect, satirizing snobbery.)
2. The waiter at this shop was initially very cold to me, but after seeing me buy a large number of items, he immediately switched from haughty to servile, greeting me with a smile. (Describes a change in attitude based on the other party's spending power.)