- 王侯将相 wánghóujiàngxiàng ruling classthe ruling class; high-ranking officials; specifically kings, nobles, generals, and ministers
- 王侯公卿 wánghóugōngqīng aristocracythe high-ranking nobility; aristocracy; high officials in feudal society
- 胜者王侯败者寇 shèngzhěwánghóubàizhěkòu history is written by the victorsthe winners become princes and marquises while the losers are vilified as bandits
- 胜者王侯败者贼 shèngzhěwánghóubàizhězéi history is written by the victorsthe winners become princes and marquises, while the losers are vilified as bandits; the victors are always in the right