瓜田李下 — “In a compromising situation”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 瓜田李下?

比喻容易引起嫌疑的场合。

瓜田李下 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “in a compromising situation”. To be in a place or situation that can easily arouse suspicion; to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Literally, “In a melon patch or under a plum tree”.

Frequency

瓜田李下 Pronunciation and Pinyin

瓜田李下 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
瓜	guā	5	Melon or gourd
田	tián	5	cultivated field
李	lǐ	7	plum tree or fruit
下	xià	3	below, down, next, to descend

Example Sentence with 瓜田李下

为了避免瓜田李下之嫌，他在处理这笔款项时特意请了第三方监督。

To avoid any appearance of impropriety, he specifically invited a third-party supervisor when handling this fund.

Origin and Story of 瓜田李下

During the Tang Dynasty, under Emperor Wenzong's reign, the great calligrapher Liu Gongquan was known for his loyalty, integrity, and frank advice, serving as the Minister of Public Works.

At that time, an official named Guo Ning sent his two daughters into the palace. Subsequently, the emperor appointed Guo Ning as an official in Younin (present-day You County, Shaanxi). This matter caused widespread public discussion.

The emperor questioned Liu Gongquan about it, saying, "Guo Ning is the stepfather of the Grand Empress Dowager and holds the title of Grand General. He hasn't committed any major faults since he took office. Now, I've only appointed him to a small post in Younin; what's so inappropriate about that?"

Liu Gongquan replied, "Everyone is saying that Guo Ning received this official post because he offered his two daughters to the palace."

Emperor Wenzong clarified, "Guo Ning's two daughters entered the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager, not for me."

Liu Gongquan responded, "Under the suspicion of a melon patch or a plum tree, how can people distinguish the truth?" The idiom "瓜田李下" (guātián lǐxià) is derived from the ancient Yuefu poem "Junzi Xing" (The Gentleman's Conduct), which contains the lines "Do not tie your shoes in a melon patch, nor adjust your hat under a plum tree." Here, Liu Gongquan used it as a metaphor, implying that the emperor's actions could easily lead to suspicion among the people.