樹倒猢猻散 shù dǎo hú sūn sàn

followers scatter when patron falls; desert loser

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