一钱不值 — “To be utterly worthless”

Guan Fu, styled Zhongru, was a man from the Western Han Dynasty. He possessed an upright character and valued integrity, always honoring his word. He frequently showed disrespect to high-ranking officials but held great esteem for those of lower status, especially the poor and humble. Consequently, many talented but unprivileged individuals gravitated towards him.

Guan Fu was fond of drinking and often became temperamental when intoxicated. One day, at Prime Minister Tian Fen's wedding, he drank a considerable amount. Eventually, he approached Tian Fen to offer a toast. Tian Fen responded, "I cannot drink a full cup." Observing Tian Fen's reluctance, Guan Fu retorted sarcastically, "Though you are a nobleman, you ought to finish this cup I offer." Tian Fen still did not empty his cup.

Feeling slighted, Guan Fu then went to offer a toast to Guan Xian, the Marquis of Linru. At that moment, Guan Xian was whispering to Cheng Bushi (a former border prefect and later Grand Master of the Household) and did not acknowledge Guan Fu's presence warmly.

Already annoyed, Guan Fu's patience snapped at this sight. He immediately berated Guan Xian, exclaiming, "I've always said Cheng Bushi is not worth a single coin, and today you're here acting like women, whispering in his ear!"

Since then, when people wished to convey contempt or utter worthlessness for someone or something, they would use the phrases "一钱不值" (yī qián bù zhí) or "不值一钱" (bù zhí yī qián), meaning "to be utterly worthless." For instance, individuals who are arrogant towards their own but servile to outsiders, or objects that appear attractive but are actually impractical, can be described as "一钱不值."