跖狗吠尧 — “It means that everyone has their own master or loyalty”

跖狗吠尧 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “it means that everyone has their own master or loyalty”. And their actions are based on that allegiance, even if it leads to opposing someone generally considered good or wise. It's like a dog barking at a stranger, not because the stranger is bad, but because it doesn't recognize them as its owner, only its own master. Literally, “Zhi's dog barks at Yao”.

Frequency

跖狗吠尧 Pronunciation and Pinyin

跖狗吠尧 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
跖	zhí	12	sole of foot
狗	gǒu	8	dog
吠	fèi	7	dog bark
尧	yáo	6	legendary wise emperor

Example Sentence with 跖狗吠尧

虽然我们在项目方案上有分歧，但大家都知道这是为了团队的整体利益，正如跖狗吠尧，各自忠于自己的职责。

Although we have disagreements on the project plan, everyone knows it's for the overall benefit of the team, just as Zhi's dog barks at Yao, each loyal to their own responsibilities.

Origin and Story of 跖狗吠尧

During the Warring States period, Tian Dan, a minister of Qi, did not take offense at Diao Bo who cursed him. Instead, he prepared a feast and asked Diao Bo where he had gone wrong.

Diao Bo replied that 'Zhi's dog barks at Yao' does not mean Yao is not a sage, but rather that each serves their own master.

Tian Dan recommended Diao Bo to King Qi, who then sent Diao Bo as an envoy to Chu. This aroused the displeasure of nine of King Qi's favorite officials, who then attacked Tian Dan.

Diao Bo, speaking with conviction, eloquently defended and saved Prime Minister Tian Dan.