斯文扫地 disgrace
Explanation
斯文扫地,指文化或文人不受尊重或文人自甘堕落,也指名誉、信用、地位等完全丧失。
It means that culture or scholars are not respected or that scholars indulge themselves, but also that reputation, credit and status are completely lost.
Origin Story
话说清朝年间,有一位饱读诗书的秀才,名叫李文才,他为人清高自傲,看不起那些趋炎附势的官僚。一次,县令举办诗会,李文才不屑参加,独自在家读书。县令得知后,大怒,派人将他抓了起来,关进了大牢。在牢中,李文才备受折磨,他失去了往日的斯文和气度,最终变得蓬头垢面,衣衫褴褛,完全失去了往日的风采。出狱后,他变得颓废不堪,不思进取,曾经的斯文完全扫地,让人唏嘘不已。
During the Qing Dynasty, there was a well-read scholar named Li Wencai who was aloof and arrogant, despising those sycophantic officials. Once, the county magistrate held a poetry meeting, but Li Wencai disdained to participate and stayed home to read books. Upon learning this, the magistrate was furious and had him arrested and imprisoned. In prison, Li Wencai suffered greatly, losing his former elegance and demeanor, eventually becoming disheveled and ragged, completely losing his former glory. After being released from prison, he became decadent and unambitious; his former refinement was completely gone, a poignant sight.
Usage
该词语常用于形容一个人名誉扫地,或者文人自甘堕落。
The term is often used to describe someone who has lost their reputation or when scholars indulge themselves.
Examples
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这场官司,让他斯文扫地,颜面尽失。
zhe chang guansi, rang ta siwen saodi, yanmian jinshi
This lawsuit has disgraced him and left him in disgrace.
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他这次的所作所为,真是斯文扫地,令人失望至极!
ta zhe ci de suozuosuowei, zhen shi siwen saodi, ling ren shiwang zhiji
His actions were shameful and deeply disappointed him!