# 一手遮天

yī shǒu zhē tiān

Use overwhelming influence to keep others from knowing the truth

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Cover the sky with one hand

**Register:** Critical · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe unchecked control that hides facts or blocks accountability.

Stronger than simply having influence.

## Understanding the expression

A single hand covering the entire sky imagines power so extensive that others cannot see beyond it. The expression criticizes domination, especially when a powerful person conceals wrongdoing or prevents oversight. It is not ordinary leadership or broad popularity. The metaphor focuses on blocked visibility and resistance. A useful modern sentence shows how information, decisions, or complaints are controlled, making the accusation concrete rather than merely labeling a disliked authority powerful.

## Examples

他控制账目，企图一手遮天。

### Traditional Chinese

他控制賬目，企圖一手遮天。

tā kòng zhì zhàng mù ， qǐ tú yī shǒu zhē tiān 。

He controlled the accounts and tried to hide the truth.

不能让一个主管一手遮天。

### Traditional Chinese

不能讓一個主管一手遮天。

bù néng ràng yí gè zhǔ guǎn yī shǒu zhē tiān 。

One supervisor must not wield unchecked control.

独立审计打破了他一手遮天的局面。

### Traditional Chinese

獨立審計打破了他一手遮天的局面。

dú lì shěn jì dǎ pò le tā yī shǒu zhē tiān de jú miàn 。

Independent auditing ended his unchecked concealment.

小说中权臣一手遮天，百姓无处申诉。

### Traditional Chinese

小說中權臣一手遮天，百姓無處申訴。

xiǎo shuō zhōng quán chén yī shǒu zhē tiān ， bǎi xìng wú chù shēn sù 。

The powerful minister blocks accountability, leaving people no appeal.

## 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%E6%89%8B%E9%81%AE%E5%A4%A9)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=547&webMd=1&la=0)

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