沽名钓誉 seek fame and reputation
Explanation
比喻用不正当的手段追求名誉。
A metaphor for the pursuit of fame and reputation by improper means.
Origin Story
从前，有一个名叫张生的书生，他胸无点墨，却一心想在仕途上有所作为。他四处结交达官贵人，逢迎拍马，并经常在众人面前夸耀自己的学识，实际上却是一知半解。为了博得名声，他不惜重金贿赂官员，甚至伪造文书，企图蒙混过关。他的所作所为引起了许多人的不满，但他却毫不在意，依然我行我素。最终，他的丑行败露，不仅名誉扫地，还受到了法律的制裁。这个故事告诉我们，真正的名声和荣誉是靠自己的努力和真才实学赢得的，而不是靠沽名钓誉得来的。
Once upon a time, there was a scholar named Zhang Sheng, who had no knowledge but was determined to make a career at court. He cultivated relationships with influential figures, flattered them, and constantly boasted about his knowledge, though he was only superficially learned. To gain fame, he bribed officials with large sums of money and even forged documents to get by. His actions caused dissatisfaction among many, but he remained unconcerned and continued as before. Eventually, his misdeeds were exposed, and he not only lost his reputation but also faced legal consequences. This story teaches us that true fame and honor are earned through one's own efforts and real accomplishments, not by seeking them through dishonest means.
Usage
作谓语、宾语、定语；多用于批评贬义。
Used as predicate, object, and attributive; mostly used in a critical and derogatory way.
Examples
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他沽名钓誉，四处炫耀自己的功绩。
tā gū míng diào yù, sì chù xuànyào zìjǐ de gōngjì
He seeks fame and reputation, showing off his achievements everywhere.
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不要为了沽名钓誉而做一些违背良心的事。
bùyào wèile gū míng diào yù ér zuò yīxiē wéibèi liángxīn de shì
Don't do anything against your conscience just to make a name for yourself and gain recognition.