xuē​mù​wéi​lì

refuse humiliation

削木为吏 削木為吏 xuē​mù​wéi​lì
refuse humiliation
To refuse to submit to interrogation or humiliation from even the lowliest official; also used to describe cruel or harsh prison officials. It literally refers to an ancient legend where a wooden figure was carved into an official to intimidate people into telling the truth.

Cross-References

Synonym