尸位素餐 — “To occupy a post without performing its duties”

The idiom "尸位素餐" (shī wèi sù cān) combines two phrases, "尸位" and "素餐", each with its own origin.

"尸位" refers to the "corpse" (尸) in ancient sacrificial rites. This person, often a relative, represented the deceased spirit and simply sat in a prominent position, looking on without needing to perform any actual actions or duties. The phrase originates from the "Classic of History" (书经), which contains the line "太康尸位" (Tàikāng shī wèi), describing Taikang's neglect of his duties. Thus, "尸位" came to metaphorically describe someone who holds a position but does no work, much like the ritual "corpse" who merely occupies a seat.

"素餐" means to "eat plain meals" or more aptly, "to eat for nothing," implying receiving emoluments without contributing. This part comes from the "Classic of Poetry" (诗经), with the line "彼君子兮，不素餐兮" (Those gentlemen, they don't eat for nothing). Later, "素餐" was used to describe those who enjoy a salary or benefits without earning them through work.

The combination of "尸位" and "素餐" into a single idiom is attributed to the "Book of Han" (汉书). In the "Biography of Zhu Yun" (朱云传), it states: "今朝廷大臣，上不能匡主，下亡以益民，皆尸位素餐。" (Today's court ministers, unable to assist the ruler above, and unable to benefit the people below, all occupy posts without performing their duties and eat for nothing.)

This idiom describes individuals who hold official positions but fail to fulfill their responsibilities, essentially drawing a salary or benefits without contributing any meaningful work. It can apply to redundant staff in an organization who merely collect their wages, or even to people who, despite their best efforts, are so incompetent that they achieve nothing, yet retain their positions through special connections. In some contexts, it can even be used as a humble self-deprecating remark, where one acknowledges their own lack of contribution while still receiving benefits.