zhǐ​xǔ​zhōu​guān​fàng​huǒ​bù​xǔ​bǎi​xìng​diǎn​dēng

one rule for the rich and another for the poor

只许州官放火,不许百姓点灯 只許州官放火,不許百姓點燈 zhǐ​xǔ​zhōu​guān​fàng​huǒ​bù​xǔ​bǎi​xìng​diǎn​dēng
one rule for the rich and another for the poor
Describes a situation where those in power are allowed to do whatever they want, while ordinary people are forbidden from even the most basic activities; often implies double standards or hypocrisy by superiors toward their subordinates.
double standard
the magistrates are allowed to burn down houses while the common people are forbidden even to light lamps; a proverb describing how those in power exercise tyrannical double standards or deny others their basic rights while indulging in excess themselves

Cross-References

Same as