tremble and obey

idiom

Meaning

To unthinkingly obey or pander to authorities, especially the Chinese government.

Origin

disputed origin

Calque from Chinese 凜遵／凛遵 (lǐn zūn), a phrase historically used in Chinese imperial edicts.

Examples

SIMPLE

The citizens must tremble and obey the new laws.

CONTEXTUAL

The regime expects all its subjects to tremble and obey without asking any difficult questions.

COMPLEX

In the face of such absolute authority, the populace is conditioned to tremble and obey, effectively silencing any potential for dissent or independent thought.

Anchors to

obey
tremble