During the Western Han Dynasty, Wang Ji and Gong Yu were fellow townsmen and close friends. Wang Ji had served as a court official under Emperor Xuan but was later dismissed. Gong Yu also held office for several years before being removed. When Emperor Yuan ascended the throne, Wang Ji was appointed to a high position once more. Upon hearing this news, Gong Yu was elated - he dusted off his official hat, preparing to return to government service. People mocked them: 'When Wang Ji takes office, Gong Yu flicks his hat.'
西汉时，有叫王吉和贡禹的两个人，他们是同乡，又是很要好的朋友。王吉在汉宣帝时曾被任命为大夫，后来罢免了他。贡禹做了几年官也被罢免了。汉元帝即位后，王吉又出来做了大官。贡禹听到这个消息，认为自己又将有机会向上爬，于是把自己帽子上的灰尘掸去，准备出去做官。当时有人讽刺他们说：王吉在位，贡公弹冠。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
The idiom describes how people in power attract hangers-on who celebrate each other's rise, hoping to benefit themselves. It is a satirical observation of mutual back-scratching in officialdom.
The idiom describes how people in power attract hangers-on who celebrate each other's rise, hoping to benefit themselves. It is a satirical observation of mutual back-scratching in officialdom.