# 前倨后恭

qián jù hòu gōng

Become deferential after first being arrogant

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Arrogant before and respectful afterward

**Traditional Chinese:** 前倨後恭

**Register:** Critical · formal

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Criticize courtesy that changes with perceived status.

A sincere correction can deserve a kinder reading.

## Understanding the expression

The phrase compares two manners shown by the same person at different moments. Initial arrogance gives way to respect, often after the person discovers wealth, authority, or useful connections. Modern use usually criticizes this selective courtesy as snobbery. The change reveals how the speaker ranks people. Not every shift is dishonest, however: someone who recognizes a mistake and offers a sincere apology may be learning rather than merely serving advantage.

## Examples

知道她是老板后，他前倨后恭。

### Traditional Chinese

知道她是老闆後，他前倨後恭。

zhī dào tā shì lǎo bǎn hòu ， tā qián jù hòu gōng 。

He became deferential after learning she was the boss.

店员前倨后恭，让顾客不舒服。

### Traditional Chinese

店員前倨後恭，讓顧客不舒服。

diàn yuán qián jù hòu gōng ， ràng gù kè bù shū fú 。

The clerk's shift from arrogance to deference unsettled the customer.

他不喜欢那种前倨后恭的态度。

### Traditional Chinese

他不喜歡那種前倨後恭的態度。

tā bù xǐ huan nà zhǒng qián jù hòu gōng de tài dù 。

He dislikes such status dependent courtesy.

经理发现来客身份，突然前倨后恭。

### Traditional Chinese

經理發現來客身份，突然前倨後恭。

jīng lǐ fā xiàn lái kè shēn fèn ， tū rán qián jù hòu gōng 。

The manager became deferential on discovering the visitor's status.

## 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%89%8D%E5%80%A8%E5%BE%8C%E6%81%AD)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=142&webMd=1&la=0)

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