This idiom suggests that people tend to be more apprehensive of their immediate superiors or those directly in charge, rather than high-ranking officials who are more distant. It highlights the practical reality that those who directly manage you hold more immediate power and influence over your daily life or work.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Song Dynasty, Wang Jin, a martial arts instructor for the 800,000 imperial guards in Tokyo, had a father, Wang Sheng, who once beat up a hooligan named Gao Qiu.
Ten years later, after Wang Sheng passed away, Gao Qiu, who was skilled at playing Cuju (an ancient form of football), gained the appreciation of Emperor Huizong and was promoted to the highest military position, Grand Marshal of the Palace Guards, directly overseeing Wang Jin.
To avenge the past beating, Gao Qiu ordered Wang Jin to be arrested and beaten. Wang Jin, understanding the adage 'not afraid of officials, only afraid of those who manage' (fearing his direct superior more than a high-ranking official), fled with his entire family that very night.