过河拆桥
过河拆桥 (guò hé chāi qiáo) literally means “cross river, dismantle bridge” and expresses “abandoning those who helped you”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: guo he chai qiao, guo he chai qiao,过河拆桥 meaning, 过河拆桥 in english
Abandoning those who helped you
Pronunciation: guò hé chāi qiáo
Literal meaning: Cross river, dismantle bridge
Origin & Usage
This ungrateful idiom describes crossing (过) a river (河) and then dismantling (拆) the bridge (桥), originating from Tang Dynasty political commentary. It first described officials who abandoned supporters after achieving power. The bridge metaphor was particularly resonant in ancient China, where river crossings represented crucial transition points often requiring community cooperation to build and maintain. During the Song Dynasty, historical chronicles used it to criticize rulers who neglected foundational allies after consolidating power. Modern usage condemns discarding relationships, tools, or methods immediately after they've served their purpose, particularly instances of ingratitude toward those who provided essential assistance during difficult transitions.
Examples
English: "After securing the promotion, she quickly abandoned the colleagues who had supported her"
Chinese: 在获得晋升后，她很快就抛弃了曾经支持她的同事
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 过河拆桥 mean in English?
过河拆桥 (guò hé chāi qiáo) literally translates to “Cross river, dismantle bridge” and is used to express “Abandoning those who helped you”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 过河拆桥 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving abandoning those who helped you.
What is the pinyin for 过河拆桥?
The pinyin pronunciation for 过河拆桥 is “guò hé chāi qiáo”.