(idiom) High officials are free to do whatever they want while common people are restricted; also used to criticize anyone who abuses power to indulge in mischief while forbidding others from exercising their rights. Usually used as part of the longer phrase 只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯 zhǐ​xǔ​zhōu​guān​fàng​huǒ​bù​xǔ​bǎi​xìng​diǎn​dēng.