Definition
裙带关系 ('skirt-ribbon relation') is a fixed derogatory idiom meaning 'nepotism' or 'cronyism' — using family connections, especially through one's wife's side, to gain unfair advantages in appointments or promotions. It's commonly used to criticize hiring or promotion practices that value personal ties over merit.
n.
(derogatory) nepotismcronyism (using family connections for personal gain)
Examples
- 裙带关系，。Zhè jiā gōngsī de qún dài guān jì wèntí hěn yánzhòng, zhēnzhèng yǒu cáihuá de rén hěn nán shēngzhí.This company has a serious problem with nepotism — truly talented people find it hard to get promoted.
- ，裙带关系。Tā méiyǒu zhēn cái shí xué, quán kào qún dài guān jì dāng shàng le chùzhǎng.He has no real ability; he became a division head entirely through nepotism.
- 裙带关系，。Zhǐyào xiāochú qún dài guān jì, qǐyè jiù néng xīyǐn gèng duō yōuxiù réncái.As long as they eliminate nepotism, the company can attract more outstanding talent.
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