(historical) a government office in dynastic China; a yamen

a bailiff or minor official serving in a [[衙门|衙門|ya2 men5]] in imperial China

(literary, pejorative) child of a high-ranking official, typically characterized as spoiled or arrogant

(literary) a government agency or the office where officials conducted business in old China

(literary) a government office in feudal China; a [[衙门|衙門|ya2 men5]]

(metaphor) an organization or government office with very little funding, low benefits, or no opportunities for corruption; originally used for imperial offices that offered no chance for financial gain

to sit in a government office to conduct official business or handle legal cases

Office for the general administration of affairs of all nations, the government body in charge of foreign policy in imperial China during the late Qing dynasty, established in 1861.

Historical name for the ministry of foreign affairs during the late Qing dynasty.

headquarters or office of the Gendarmerie in Beijing during the Qing Dynasty, responsible for city security and law enforcement

Possessing literary talent so great that even the ancient masters [[屈原|屈原|qu1 yuan2]] and [[宋玉|宋玉|song4 yu4]] would be like minor officials in one's service; used to praise oneself or others for outstanding literary ability.

(literary) describing the appearance of walking in a line or moving in an orderly procession

Literally "the government office is made of iron, while the officials flow through like water"; used to describe how institutions remain stable while their staff and leadership are constantly changing.