literally meaning reeds leaning on a jade tree; used as an idiom to describe the lowly associating with the noble, or the weak seeking help from the strong

reeds leaning on a jade tree; used to describe two people of very different status or appearance being together, particularly a lowly person relying on or being seen with someone noble or superior

literally "reeds leaning on a jade tree"; figuratively refers to someone of low status or weak character relying on or associating with someone of noble character or great strength