zōu​yīng​qí​zǐ

those below imitate those above

Senses

邹缨齐紫/ 鄒纓齊紫 zōu​yīng​qí​zǐ those below imitate those above

Refers to a situation where common people or subordinates imitate the habits and preferences of their leaders; based on stories of the Duke of Zou wearing long hat strings and Duke Huan of Qi wearing purple clothing, leading their entire states to follow suit.

References

synonym 邹缨齐紫/鄒纓齊紫 上行下效/上行下效