# 越俎代庖

yuè zǔ dài páo

Take over another person's proper responsibility

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Cross the altar to act as the cook

**Register:** Cautionary · formal

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

## When to use it

Warn against unauthorized interference.

Agreed help is different from overstepping.

## Understanding the expression

Different roles have different work to do, and the image shows one person leaving their place to perform another's duty. Modern use criticizes unnecessary or unauthorized intervention in someone else's responsibility. It can concern management, parenting, teamwork, or decisions for friends. Good intentions do not automatically make taking over appropriate. Asking what help is wanted allows cooperation without erasing the other person's authority, learning opportunity, or right to decide.

## Examples

别越俎代庖，替她做决定。

### Traditional Chinese

別越俎代庖，替她做決定。

bié yuè zǔ dài páo ， tì tā zuò jué dìng 。

Do not overstep by deciding for her.

经理避免越俎代庖，让团队自主安排。

### Traditional Chinese

經理避免越俎代庖，讓團隊自主安排。

jīng lǐ bì miǎn yuè zǔ dài páo ， ràng tuán duì zì zhǔ ān pái 。

The manager avoids taking over and lets the team plan.

我只是提醒，不想越俎代庖。

wǒ zhǐ shì tí xǐng ， bù xiǎng yuè zǔ dài páo 。

I am only reminding you, not trying to take over.

家长不能处处越俎代庖。

### Traditional Chinese

家長不能處處越俎代庖。

jiā zhǎng bù néng chù chù yuè zǔ dài páo 。

Parents should not take over every responsibility.

## 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=%E8%B6%8A%E4%BF%8E%E4%BB%A3%E5%BA%96)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=178&webMd=1&la=0)

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