欲壑难填 Insatiable Desire
Explanation
欲壑难填，形容人的欲望像一个无底洞，永远也填不满。比喻贪心不足，永远得不到满足。
Yù hè nán tián describes a person's insatiable desire, like a bottomless pit that can never be filled. It is a metaphor for insatiable greed, never being satisfied.
Origin Story
话说古代有个贪婪的官吏，名叫李员外。他鱼肉百姓，搜刮民脂民膏，家财万贯。然而，他心中永远填不满的欲望如同一个无底洞，无论拥有多少财富，都无法让他感到满足。他不断地想方设法地增加自己的财富，甚至不惜牺牲百姓的利益。李员外建造了一座金碧辉煌的大宅院，然而，他却仍然感到空虚和不安。他拥有了无数的珍宝，却依旧无法摆脱内心的贪婪。他沉迷在无尽的欲望之中，最终落得个身败名裂的下场，成为历史上的一个反面教材。这故事警示世人，要懂得知足，切勿被欲望所吞噬。
In ancient times, there was a greedy official named Li. He oppressed the people, extorted wealth, and amassed a vast fortune. However, the insatiable desire in his heart was like a bottomless pit; no matter how much wealth he possessed, he could never be satisfied. He constantly sought ways to increase his wealth, even at the expense of the people's interests. Li built a magnificent mansion, yet he still felt empty and restless. He owned countless treasures but could not shake off his inner greed. He was consumed by endless desires and ultimately met a shameful end, becoming a negative example in history. This story warns people to be content and not to be devoured by desire.
Usage
形容贪心不足，永远得不到满足。常用于批评贪婪的人。
Describes insatiable greed and the constant desire for more, never being satisfied. Often used to criticize greedy people.
Examples
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他的贪婪真是欲壑难填。
tade tanlan zhen shi yù hè nán tián
His greed is insatiable.
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权力欲壑难填，最终害了他自己。
quanli yù hè nán tián, zuìzhōng hài le tā zìjǐ
The lust for power is insatiable, and it ultimately ruined him.