胡作非为 reckless actions
Explanation
指不顾法纪或舆论，毫无顾忌地做坏事。
Refers to doing bad things without regard for laws or public opinion, without any scruples.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有一个叫李白的诗人，他不仅才华横溢，而且个性豪放不羁。一次，他与朋友们在长安城中游玩，兴致勃勃之下，竟在热闹的街上纵马狂奔，还高声吟唱，引得路人纷纷侧目。更有甚者，他竟然还闯入宫廷禁地，肆意破坏宫中的花草树木，全然不顾宫中禁卫的阻拦。此举自然引起皇室的震怒，但考虑到李白才华横溢，便将其释放，并劝诫他收敛锋芒，安分守己。然而，李白却依旧我行我素，继续胡作非为，最终惹怒了皇帝，被流放出京。此后，他流落江湖，虽然诗名远扬，却也留下了不少令人惋惜的遗憾。这段故事，正体现了“胡作非为”的含义，即不顾法纪或舆论，任意妄为，最终自食恶果。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a poet named Li Bai who was not only exceptionally talented but also had an unruly personality. Once, while out with friends in Chang'an, he exuberantly rode his horse through the bustling streets, singing loudly, attracting the attention of passersby. What's more, he even trespassed into the palace's forbidden grounds, wantonly destroying the flowers and trees, ignoring the palace guards' attempts to stop him. This naturally angered the imperial family, but considering Li Bai's extraordinary talent, he was released, and he was admonished to tone down his rebellious attitude and settle down. However, Li Bai remained true to his nature, continuing to act recklessly, ultimately enraging the emperor, who banished him from the capital. Afterward, he wandered the country, his reputation as a poet widespread, yet leaving behind many regrettable shortcomings. This story perfectly illustrates the meaning of “Hu zuo fei wei”, that is, to act recklessly without regard for laws or public opinion, and to ultimately reap the consequences of one's own actions.
Usage
用作谓语、定语、状语；指任意做坏事。
Used as predicate, attributive, and adverbial; refers to doing bad things at will.
Examples
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他总是胡作非为，最终受到了法律的制裁。
ta zongshi hu zuo fei wei, zhongyu shoudaole falv de zhicai.
He always acted recklessly and was eventually punished by law.
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年轻人要学会约束自己，不要胡作非为。
qingnianren yao xuehui yueshu ziji, buyao hu zuo fei wei.
Young people should learn to control themselves and not act recklessly..