公报私仇 public revenge
Explanation
利用职务或权力报复个人私怨。指假借公事来报复私仇。
To use one's position or power to take revenge for personal grievances. It means to use public affairs to retaliate against private vengeance.
Origin Story
话说清朝时期，有个县令名叫王大人，为人正直，一心为民。一日，他发现当地富绅李员外仗势欺人，强占民田，于是便下令彻查此事。李员外得知此事后，心生怨恨，暗中派人散布谣言，说王大人贪赃枉法，中饱私囊。朝廷派来钦差大臣调查此事，王大人据理力争，最终证明了自己的清白，李员外也受到了应有的惩罚。但王大人心中始终明白，李员外的所作所为，其实就是公报私仇。因为之前王大人曾查处过李员外的一些违法行为，李员外怀恨在心，便伺机报复。王大人叹息道：这世上公报私仇的事情太多了，自己能做的，只是秉公执法，维护正义罢了。
In the Qing Dynasty, there was a county magistrate named Wang who was known for his integrity and dedication to the people. One day, he discovered that a wealthy local, Li, was abusing his power and seizing farmland from the villagers. Wang ordered a thorough investigation. Angered, Li secretly spread rumors that Wang was corrupt and had embezzled funds. The court sent an imperial envoy to investigate, and Wang managed to prove his innocence. Li received the punishment he deserved. Wang understood that Li’s actions were driven by personal vengeance because Wang had previously investigated Li’s illegal activities, causing Li to harbor resentment and seek revenge. Wang sighed, saying that there were countless cases of personal vengeance, and all he could do was to uphold justice and enforce the law impartially.
Usage
用于批评那些利用职权报复私仇的行为。
Used to criticize those who abuse their power to take revenge on their personal enemies.
Examples
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他公报私仇，借机打压对手。
ta gong bao si chou, jie ji da ya duishou
He used his official position to take revenge on his private enemy.
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这件事明显是公报私仇，令人愤慨。
zhe jianshi ming xian shi gong bao si chou, ling ren fen kai
This matter is clearly a case of personal vendetta, causing indignation.