官官相护 officials protecting each other
Explanation
指官员之间互相包庇，维护共同利益，即使出现违法违纪行为，也会相互袒护，从而使问题难以得到有效解决。
Refers to the mutual protection among officials to maintain common interests. Even if illegal or disciplinary violations occur, they will protect each other, making it difficult to solve problems effectively.
Origin Story
在一个古老的王朝，有两个官员，一个是负责税收的，一个是负责审计的。税收官员贪污腐败，中饱私囊，但审计官员为了自身利益，睁一只眼闭一只眼，互相包庇，甚至还帮他掩盖罪行。最终，他们的丑行被揭露，受到了严厉的惩罚。这个故事告诉我们，官官相护只会助长腐败，最终害人害己。
In an ancient dynasty, there were two officials, one in charge of tax collection and the other in charge of auditing. The tax collector was corrupt and embezzled funds, but the auditor, for his own benefit, turned a blind eye and even helped him cover up his crimes. Eventually, their misdeeds were exposed, and they were severely punished. This story tells us that mutual protection among officials only fuels corruption and ultimately harms everyone.
Usage
常用作主语或谓语，形容官员之间互相包庇的现象。
Often used as the subject or predicate, describing the phenomenon of mutual protection among officials.
Examples
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某些官员为了自身利益，官官相护，包庇纵容腐败行为。
mǒuxiē guān yuán wèile zìshēn lìyì, guān guān xiāng hù, bāobì zòngróng fǔbài xíngwéi
Some officials protect each other for their own interests and condone corrupt practices.
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这件事中，存在着明显的官官相护现象，需要进一步调查。
zhè jiàn shì zhōng, cúnzài zhe míngxiǎn de guān guān xiāng hù xiànxiàng, xūyào jìnxíbù diàochá
In this case, there is a clear phenomenon of mutual protection among officials, which requires further investigation.
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一些腐败案件之所以难以侦破，与官官相护脱不了干系。
yīxiē fǔbài ànjiàn zhīsuǒyǐ nán yǐ zhēnpò, yǔ guān guān xiāng hù tuō bù liǎo gānxì
Some corruption cases are difficult to solve because officials cover for each other.