食言而肥 Breaking one's word and getting fat
Explanation
指说话不算数，只图自己占便宜。比喻不守信用，只顾自己获利。
Refers to someone who does not keep their word and only seeks their own advantage. It describes someone who is untrustworthy and only cares about their own gain.
Origin Story
春秋时期，鲁国卿士孟武伯以巧言令色欺骗国君，屡次食言，最终损害了国家的利益。鲁哀公看不下去，便在一次宴会上，当众讽刺孟武伯说：‘食言多矣，能无肥乎？’孟武伯这才意识到自己的错误，从此以后说话谨慎许多。后来，“食言而肥”就用来比喻说话不算数，只图自己占便宜。
During the Spring and Autumn period, Meng Wu Bo, a minister of the State of Lu, deceived the ruler with smooth words and flattering manners. He repeatedly broke his promises, ultimately harming the interests of the state. The ruler of Lu, seeing this, publicly criticized Meng Wu Bo at a banquet, saying, "Having broken your word many times, can you not become fat?" Meng Wu Bo then realized his mistakes and became much more cautious with his words thereafter. Later, "食言而肥" came to be used to describe those who break their word and only care about their own advantage.
Usage
用作谓语、定语；形容说话不算数，只图自己占便宜。
Used as a predicate or attributive; describes someone who doesn't keep their word and only seeks their own advantage.
Examples
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他言而无信，最终食言而肥，失去了朋友的信任。
ta yan er wu xin, zhongjiu shi yan er fei, shiqule pengyou de xinyun.
He broke his promise and eventually profited from it, losing the trust of his friends.
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这个人总是食言而肥，让人对他很失望。
zheme geren zongshi shi yan er fei, rang ren dui ta hen shiwang
This person always breaks their promises and profits from it, leaving others very disappointed..