树倒猢狲散 shù dǎo hú sūn sàn

followers scatter when power is gone

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. When the tree topples the monkeys scatter. (idiom); fig. an opportunist abandons an unfavorable cause
  2. 2. Rats leave a sinking ship.

Characters

Character Meaning
树 shù HSK 3
tree; to set up; to cultivate
倒 dǎo HSK 4
to pour; however; contrary to expectation
猢 hú
monkey
狲 sūn
(monkey)
散 sàn HSK 4
to scatter; to disperse; to break up (a meeting etc)