择木而处
zé​mù'ér​chǔ

to select a patron to serve

  1. 择木 擇木 zé​mù
    to choose a master
    (literary) to choose a leader or employer to serve; refers to a bird choosing which tree to perch in
  2. 而 ér particleconjunction
    [adverbial linker]
    Connects an adverb-like description to the following verb to show the manner, cause, or basis of an action.
  3. 处 處 chǔ verbnoun
    to reside
    (literary) To live, dwell, or reside in a place.