人微言轻 | low status, words carry little weight

rén人wēi微yán言qīng轻

To have little influence or sway due to one's low social status or humble position; one's words carry little weight.

在这次部门会议上，他作为一个新来的员工，人微言轻，提出的建议没有得到足够的重视。

At this department meeting, as a new employee, his words carried little weight, and the suggestions he put forward did not receive sufficient attention.

Era:

Ancient

Frequency:

Synonym:

人微权轻、微不足道

Antonym:

一言九鼎、一言千金

Story:

In the late Spring and Autumn period, Rang Ju, a descendant of Tian Wan of the State of Qi, was not highly regarded because he was born to a concubine.

When Qi was invaded by the states of Jin and Yan, Yan Ying recommended Rang Ju to Duke Jing of Qi, who then appointed him to lead the defense against the Jin army.

However, because Rang Ju was of humble status and his words carried little weight, Duke Jing assigned a powerful minister to act as his supervisor. To establish military authority, Rang Ju executed this arrogant supervisor.

He went on to recapture many lost territories. After the war, he was granted the title of Grand Sima.

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