Definition
阶下囚 literally means 'prisoner under the steps', originally referring to a captured enemy who kneels at the foot of the victor's stairs. Today it's used figuratively for someone who has fallen from a powerful or respected position and is now imprisoned or humiliated — it always carries a sense of downfall and loss of status, not just any prisoner.
n.
prisoner (especially one who has fallen from grace; humbled captive)
Examples
- ，阶下囚。Tā céngjīng shì quán qīng cháoyě de dàchén, rújīn què chéngle jiē xià qiú.He was once a minister who wielded power over the entire court, but now he has become a prisoner under the steps.
- ，阶下囚，。Zhànbài hòu, jiāngjūn lúnwéi jiē xià qiú, shòu jìn qūrǔ.After the defeat, the general was reduced to a captive and suffered every humiliation.
- 阶下囚。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō miáoxiě le yí gè fùháo biànchéng jiē xià qiú de gùshì.This novel tells the story of a wealthy tycoon who becomes a prisoner under the steps.
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