# 得陇望蜀

dé lǒng wàng shǔ

Keep wanting more after gaining something

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Gain Long and then desire Shu

**Traditional Chinese:** 得隴望蜀

**Register:** Critical · literary

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Criticize insatiable ambition or greed.

A reasoned next goal is not always greed.

## Understanding the expression

One territory has been gained, but satisfaction immediately gives way to desire for another. The expression describes appetite that expands with every achievement instead of reaching a reasonable limit. Modern use applies to wealth, favors, power, or possessions. It is usually critical. Growth can be legitimate when it serves a clear purpose, so the phrase fits best when the wanting itself seems endless and the person neglects gratitude, fairness, or practical limits.

## Examples

刚加薪又索要特权，真是得陇望蜀。

### Traditional Chinese

剛加薪又索要特權，真是得隴望蜀。

gāng jiā xīn yòu suǒ yào tè quán ， zhēn shì dé lǒng wàng shǔ 。

Demanding privileges right after a raise seems insatiable.

他得陇望蜀，总嫌房子不够大。

### Traditional Chinese

他得隴望蜀，總嫌房子不夠大。

tā dé lǒng wàng shǔ ， zǒng xián fáng zi bú gòu dà 。

He keeps wanting more and never finds the house large enough.

她提醒自己别得陇望蜀。

### Traditional Chinese

她提醒自己別得隴望蜀。

tā tí xǐng zì jǐ bié dé lǒng wàng shǔ 。

She reminds herself not to become insatiable.

商家得陇望蜀，不断加价。

### Traditional Chinese

商家得隴望蜀，不斷加價。

shāng jiā dé lǒng wàng shǔ ， bú duàn jiā jià 。

The merchant's greed drives repeated price increases.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BE%97%E9%9A%B4%E6%9C%9B%E8%9C%80)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=285&webMd=1&la=0)

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