The name does not match the reality; to have a reputation that is not deserved; to fail to live up to one's name or reputation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
Once upon a time, there was a man who named his elder son 'Dao' (盗), which means 'thief,' and his younger son 'Ou' (殴), which means 'to beat.' Both sons were intelligent and capable, much beloved by their parents.
One day, the elder son, Dao, went to the fields with a hoe to weed. His mother, concerned he was dressed too thinly, called out his name, 'Dao!' A passing official overheard this and, mistaking 'Dao' for a call to catch a thief, immediately arrested the son.
The mother then sent her younger son, Ou, to explain, shouting his name, 'Ou!' The official, misunderstanding again, thought she was ordering him to 'beat' the arrested son, and so he proceeded to severely beat Dao.