cing1 gwan1 zak1清君側清君侧
Jyutpingcing1 gwan1 zak1
Yalechīng gwān jāk
Definition
To get rid of evil ministers around the emperor
writtenother
How it's used
Historically referring to the removal of corrupt officials surrounding a ruler, this phrase is now almost exclusively used in a metaphorical sense to describe political maneuvering. It carries a strong connotation of hypocrisy, as it is frequently employed as a convenient excuse by rebels or rivals to justify an uprising against the current leadership. You will rarely hear it used in a literal sense unless discussing ancient Chinese history or historical dramas.
Examples
They claim to be purging the emperor's inner circle, but they actually want to seize power.
This coup d'état was launched under the banner of purging the emperor's inner circle.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe simple office politics or firing a regular employee, as it is reserved for high stakes power struggles and political contexts. Using it in a casual setting will sound overly dramatic or archaic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
