Definition
越俎代庖 (yuè zǔ dài páo) is a four-character idiom from the Zhuangzi. Literally, 'step over the sacrificial vessels and take over the cook's job' — it describes someone who oversteps their role and does work that isn't theirs to do, especially when the original person is perfectly capable. You use it to criticize unnecessary meddling or to politely decline someone's unwanted help. It's a formal/literary expression, not common in casual speech.
f.e.
to overstep one's role and meddle in another's affairsto do what is not one's job
Examples
- ，越俎代庖。Zhè jiàn shì yǒu zhuānrén fùzé, wǒmen búyào yuè zǔ dài páo.This matter has a designated person in charge; we shouldn't overstep and meddle.
- ，越俎代庖。Tā zǒng xiǎng chāshǒu biérén de gōngzuò, zhè zhǒng yuè zǔ dài páo de xíngwéi ràng rén fǎngǎn.He always wants to meddle in other people's work; this kind of overstepping behavior is off-putting.
- ，，越俎代庖。Zuòwéi gùwèn, wǒ zhǐ tígōng jiànyì, búhuì yuè zǔ dài páo qù zhíxíng jùtǐ rènwu.As a consultant, I only offer advice; I won't overstep and carry out specific tasks.
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