# 鸡鸣狗盗

jī míng gǒu dào

Use petty tricks or disreputable skills

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Crow like a rooster and steal like a dog

**Traditional Chinese:** 雞鳴狗盜

**Register:** Critical · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe dubious minor talents or underhand methods.

Its story-related sense can recognize usefulness, but modern tone is often negative.

## Understanding the expression

Imitating a rooster and sneaking like a dog suggest abilities far removed from prestigious learning or honorable conduct. The expression often describes petty tricks and questionable people. In contexts that recognize unexpected practical talents, it can imply that even lowly skills have a use. Modern readers usually hear criticism, however. Explain the concrete behavior rather than assuming the phrase neutrally praises resourcefulness, especially when actual stealing or deceit is involved.

## Examples

公司不能靠鸡鸣狗盗的手段竞争。

### Traditional Chinese

公司不能靠雞鳴狗盜的手段競爭。

gōng sī bù néng kào jī míng gǒu dào de shǒu duàn jìng zhēng 。

A company cannot compete through petty dishonest tricks.

他结交了一群鸡鸣狗盗之徒。

### Traditional Chinese

他結交了一群雞鳴狗盜之徒。

tā jié jiāo le yì qún jī míng gǒu dào zhī tú 。

He associated with people skilled in petty dishonesty.

剧中人物用鸡鸣狗盗的小伎俩脱险。

### Traditional Chinese

劇中人物用雞鳴狗盜的小伎倆脫險。

jù zhōng rén wù yòng jī míng gǒu dào de xiǎo jì liǎng tuō xiǎn 。

The characters escape using dubious little tricks.

这些鸡鸣狗盗的办法只会损害信誉。

### Traditional Chinese

這些雞鳴狗盜的辦法只會損害信譽。

zhè xiē jī míng gǒu dào de bàn fǎ zhī huì sǔn hài xìn yù 。

These underhand tactics will only damage trust.

## 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=%E9%9B%9E%E9%B3%B4%E7%8B%97%E7%9B%9C)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=474&webMd=1&la=0)

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