监守自盗 — “To embezzle”
监守自盗 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to embezzle”. To steal property or funds that one is entrusted to guard or manage; to commit larceny from one's own custody. Literally, “To guard and steal oneself; to steal from one's own custody”.
监守自盗 Pronunciation and Pinyin
监守自盗 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 监守自盗
Origin and Story of 监守自盗
During the Tang Dynasty, Yang Yan was chosen by Emperor Dezong to be a prime minister because his family was renowned for its filial piety.
After assuming office, he took personal grievances very seriously, which led to discontent among court officials.
Prime Minister Lu Qi seized an opportunity for revenge. He purchased Yang Yan's private residence for official use and impeached him, accusing him of "forcing officials to sell his private residence on his behalf, overpricing it, and simultaneously embezzling funds."
Emperor Dezong subsequently ordered Yang Yan's execution.
Idioms Related to 监守自盗
Synonyms of 监守自盗
Antonyms of 监守自盗
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Open the tool →Questions about 监守自盗
What does 监守自盗 mean?
监守自盗 (jiān shǒu zì dào) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to embezzle”.
How do you pronounce 监守自盗?
监守自盗 is pronounced jiān shǒu zì dào in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 监守自盗 literally mean?
Literally, 监守自盗 means “to guard and steal oneself; to steal from one's own custody”. It is used to mean “to embezzle”.
Where does 监守自盗 come from?
监守自盗 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to the modern era. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 监守自盗?
监守：监管；盗：偷窃。窃取公务上自己看管的财物。