Chinese idiom · 成语
不识抬举
Meaning
To be accused of failing to appreciate someone's favor or preferential treatment.
Character by character
Origin and story
Fictional episodeIn chapter 64 of Journey to the West (西遊記), Tang Sanzang is entertained by mysterious hosts who discuss poetry with him. When they try to arrange his union with the Apricot Immortal, he recognizes the attempt to compromise his vows and refuses. A messenger angrily accuses him of failing to appreciate their favor, using 不識抬舉.
This documented fictional use is revealing: the accusation does not prove that the supposed kindness is actually good for its recipient. The phrase voices the speaker's complaint that someone rejects preferential treatment or goodwill. It can sound insulting, coercive, or entitled, so it should not be treated as a neutral diagnosis of ingratitude.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
她只是拒绝了邀请，你不能说她不识抬举。
She only declined the invitation; you cannot accuse her of failing to appreciate your favor.
An accusatory expression; declining an offer is not inherently wrong.