Definition
横行霸道 is a four-character Chinese idiom (chéngyǔ) that literally paints a picture of 'walking sideways and acting like a tyrant.' It describes someone who acts arrogantly, oppressively, and without scruples — typically a person in power who abuses their authority to bully others. You can use it to criticize any behavior that is domineering and lawless.
f.e.
to act tyrannicallyto ride roughshod over othersto be domineering
Examples
- 横行霸道,。Tā zài gōngsī lǐ héng, yuángōng dōu hěn pà tā.He acts tyrannically in the company, and the employees are all afraid of him.
- 横行霸道,。Nà huǒ rén zài zhè piàn qūyù héng le duō nián, zhōngyú bèi jǐngchá zhuā le.That gang of bullies had been terrorizing this area for years and was finally caught by the police.
- 横行霸道,。Tāmen zhàngzhe yǒu qián yǒu shì jiù héng, zuìhòu dōu shòudào le chéngfá.Relying on their wealth and influence, they rode roughshod over others, and in the end they all received punishment.
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