A humble person relying on or clinging to a distinguished person; an unworthy individual associating with or seeking the patronage of a noble one, often implying an incongruous or unequal pairing.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Xiahou Xuan, a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, was exceptionally handsome and known as a 'jade man.' He held himself in high esteem and was quite arrogant.
Mao Zeng, a Cavalry Commandant and imperial son-in-law, was ugly and repulsive. Relying on the fact that his sister was the Empress, he often sought opportunities to get close to Xiahou Xuan. When they sat together, people called it 'common reeds leaning against a jade tree.'
Xiahou Xuan was extremely displeased, and Emperor Ming of Wei subsequently demoted him because of this incident.