# tremble and obey

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tremble-and-obey
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The citizens must tremble and obey the new laws.
- The regime expects all its subjects to tremble and obey without asking any difficult questions.
- In the face of such absolute authority, the populace is conditioned to tremble and obey, effectively silencing any potential for dissent or independent thought.

## Origin

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

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