Unsuitable as a partner due to significant disparity in status, power, or wealth; implying one is not worthy of such a prestigious match.
小李虽然很欣赏那位著名的设计师，但他总觉得对方是“齐大非耦”，不敢轻易追求。
Although Xiao Li admired the famous designer, he always felt that she was "Qi is great, not a suitable match," and dared not easily pursue her.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, the ruler of the powerful state of Qi wanted to marry his daughter, Wen Jiang, to Prince Hu of the state of Zheng. Zheng was a relatively weaker state, and fearing a trick, Prince Hu politely declined the proposal.
Others were surprised and asked him why. He replied, "Everyone has a suitable partner. Qi is so powerful; we are not a match in terms of status. How could we possibly marry?"
Next Idiom