上梁不正下梁歪

上梁不正下梁歪

Literally means:

if the upper beam is not straight, the lower ones will go aslant

Actually means:

when those above behave unworthily, those below will follow suit

上梁 refers to one's superiors or older generation; 下梁 refers to the subordinates or younger generation.

This phrase means if the superiors or people of the older generation behave un worthily, their subordinates or children will follow suit. It emphasizes the effect of examples, and is often used to criticize leaders or parents for not behaving properly and setting a bad example for others.

上梁，指上级或长辈。下梁，指下级或晚辈。

比喻上面的领导或长辈行为不正，下面的人或晚辈就会跟着做坏事或学坏。强调榜样的作用，常用来批评领导人或长辈没有管好自己，给别人做出坏的榜样。具有贬义色彩。