作威作福 to act recklessly
Explanation
本义指只有君主才能掌握权力，赏罚自如。后泛指依仗权势，滥用职权，欺压百姓。
The original meaning refers only to the monarch who holds power and can reward and punish at will. Later, it generally refers to the exercise of power and abuse of power to oppress the people.
Origin Story
汉顺帝年幼登基，大权落入宦官孙程手中。孙程骄横跋扈，作威作福，朝中大臣敢怒不敢言。这时，正直的议郎李固被汉顺帝重用。李固刚正不阿，看不惯孙程的所作所为，多次上书弹劾他。孙程因此怀恨在心，伺机报复。他诬陷李固，说李固仗势欺人，作威作福，企图置李固于死地。幸亏梁皇后力保，李固才得以保全性命。这个故事告诉我们，即使身处高位，也要心存正义，不能作威作福，否则必将自食恶果。
The young Emperor Han Shun ascended the throne, and power fell into the hands of the eunuch Sun Cheng. Sun Cheng was arrogant and domineering, acting recklessly and oppressing the people. The ministers at court dared not speak out. At this time, the upright minister Li Gu was appointed by Emperor Han Shun. Li Gu was upright and could not tolerate Sun Cheng's actions, and he repeatedly wrote to impeach him. Sun Cheng therefore harbored resentment and sought an opportunity for revenge. He falsely accused Li Gu, saying that Li Gu was overbearing and oppressed the people, attempting to put Li Gu to death. Fortunately, Empress Liang interceded, and Li Gu was able to save his life. This story tells us that even in high positions, one should maintain justice and not act recklessly, otherwise one will surely reap the consequences.
Usage
作谓语、定语；指滥用权力，欺压百姓。
Predicate, attributive; abuse of power and oppression of the people.
Examples
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他仗着权势作威作福，欺压百姓。
tā zhàngzhe quán shì zuò wēi zuò fú, qīyā bǎixìng.
He took advantage of his power and acted arrogantly, oppressing the people.
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古代那些作威作福的权臣，最终都不得好死。
gǔdài nàxiē zuò wēi zuò fú de quán chén, zuìzhōng dōu bùdé hǎosǐ.
Those powerful ministers in ancient times who took advantage of their positions to act recklessly ultimately met with a bad end.
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某些人为了个人利益，作威作福，危害社会。
mǒuxiē rén wèile gèrén lìyì, zuò wēi zuò fú, wēihài shèhuì。
Some people, for their personal gain, act tyrannically and harm society