# 一呼百诺

yī hū bǎi nuò

Have many people respond at one’s command

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One call receives a hundred answers

**Traditional Chinese:** 一呼百諾

**Register:** Formal · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe authority with immediate obedience.

May imply privilege or domineering power.

## Understanding the expression

A single call producing many instant responses creates a picture of concentrated authority. The expression may describe a powerful household, an influential leader, or someone surrounded by obedient attendants. The numbers emphasize scale rather than a literal count. Its tone can be admiring, but often suggests privilege or unquestioned control. Popular support and thoughtful cooperation differ from automatic obedience, so the nature of the relationship matters to the description.

## Examples

他在公司里一呼百诺。

### Traditional Chinese

他在公司裡一呼百諾。

tā zài gōng sī lǐ yī hū bǎi nuò 。

His commands receive immediate obedience throughout the company.

昔日一呼百诺，如今无人理会。

### Traditional Chinese

昔日一呼百諾，如今無人理會。

xī rì yī hū bǎi nuò ， rú jīn wú rén lǐ huì 。

Once everyone answered his call; now nobody pays attention.

那位老板习惯了一呼百诺。

### Traditional Chinese

那位老闆習慣了一呼百諾。

nà wèi lǎo bǎn xí guàn le yī hū bǎi nuò 。

That boss is accustomed to everyone obeying at once.

她拒绝一呼百诺的作风，鼓励讨论。

### Traditional Chinese

她拒絕一呼百諾的作風，鼓勵討論。

tā jù jué yī hū bǎi nuò de zuò fēng ， gǔ lì tǎo lùn 。

She rejected a commanding style and encouraged discussion.

## 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=%E4%B8%80%E5%91%BC%E7%99%BE%E8%AB%BE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=786&webMd=1&la=0)

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