目中无人
- Literal
- in the eyes there is no one
- Figurative
- To look down on everyone and treat them with contempt; unlike 自以为是, being sure you're right, it means respecting no one.
Where does 目中无人 come from?
It does not come from a specific anecdote; the image explains itself. 目 is "eye," 中 "inside" and 无人 "there is no one": in the arrogant person's eyes there is room for nobody, because no one seems worth taking into account. It is a harsh criticism, nearly always aimed at behavior: someone who doesn't say hello, doesn't listen or treats others badly because they think they are above them. It differs from 自以为是, which describes someone who won't admit being wrong, and from 夜郎自大, which mocks someone who thinks they are great without being so.
How is 目中无人 used? Two examples
- 他仗着自己是老板的亲戚，在公司里目中无人，见了谁都不打招呼。
Because he's related to the boss, he acts as if nobody else in the company exists and doesn't greet anyone.
- 这孩子被惯坏了，在长辈面前也目中无人。
This kid has been spoiled rotten; he shows no respect even in front of his elders.
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