Definition
鞍前马后 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally means 'in front of the saddle, behind the horse' — describing the position of a servant or attendant who follows closely. Figuratively, it means to serve someone devotedly, often with a connotation of being overly eager or obsequious. You can use it to describe someone who is always at another person's beck and call, doing all sorts of tasks for them.
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to be at someone's beck and callto serve devotedly (often with a connotation of obsequiousness)
Examples
- ,鞍前马后。Tā wèile shēngzhí, zhěngtiān gěi lǎobǎn ān qián mǎ hòu de zuò shì.He works for the boss at his beck and call all day to get a promotion.
- 鞍前马后,。Tā shēnbiān yǒu jǐ gè ān qián mǎ hòu de zhùshǒu, shénme shì dōu bú yòng zìjǐ dòngshǒu.She has several assistants at her beck and call, so she doesn't have to do anything herself.
- ,鞍前马后。Tā suīrán zhíwèi bù gāo, dàn zǒngshì ān qián mǎ hòu de cìhou zhe lǐngdǎo.Although his position is not high, he always serves the leaders devotedly.
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