只许州官放火, 不许百姓点灯
Zhǐ xǔ zhōuguān fànghuǒ, bù xǔ bǎixìng diǎndēng
Translation: A prefect is free to commit arson while forbidding his people to light a lantern.
Meaning: People with power can do what they like while controlling and limiting the freedom of others.
Story
The Chinese language is laden with homophones: Words that sound the same but carry different meanings. Traditionally people with power and influence often forbade others to use words that were homophonic with their
