An unimportant post or office of no consequence; a cold reception where one is ignored or not given much attention. It is frequently used with the verb 坐zuò to mean being sidelined or given the cold shoulder.
performance without accompaniment
In traditional opera, a performance where an actor sings without the usual percussion or instrumental accompaniment from the musicians seated on benches.
private tutor's seat
(Historical) The seat of a teacher in a traditional private school (sishu); by extension, a metaphor for the lonely and impoverished life of such a teacher
