法不阿贵 (Fǎ bù ē guì)

Basic Info

Chinese Idiom: 法不阿贵 (Fǎ bù ē guì)
Pinyin: fǎ bù ē guì
Literal meaning: “The law does not flatter or favor the noble.”
(法 = law; 不 = does not; 阿 = to flatter / bend toward / show favoritism; 贵 = the noble / the powerful)

Note: 阿 here is read ē, not ā. It means to curry favor with, to bend toward, or to show partiality.

Figurative Definition

It means that the law should apply equally to everyone, regardless of wealth, status, or power. It rejects the idea that nobles, officials, or the rich can receive special treatment. In short: all are equal before the law, and no one is above it.

It is almost identical in spirit to “法不徇情” (fǎ bù xùn qíng – the law does not bend to personal feelings).

Cultural & Historical Origin

This idiom comes from the Legalist classic Han Feizi (《韩非子》), in the chapter “Having Standards” (有度).

The original passage says:

“法不阿贵，绳不绕曲。”
(“The law does not flatter the noble; the plumb line does not bend around what is crooked.”)

Han Feizi was arguing that a strong state depends on clear, impartial laws that even the powerful must obey. If the law bends for the rich and noble, society becomes corrupt and unstable. This was a core Legalist idea, contrasting with the aristocratic privilege common in his time.

Key Lesson

Justice requires courage. It is easy to apply the law to the weak; it is hard to apply it to the powerful. A fair society needs laws that bind rulers and subjects alike. The idiom reminds judges, leaders, and citizens that true order depends on equality before the law – not on favoritism, connections, or fear.

Cultural Note

In Chinese political thought, “法不阿贵” represents the Legalist tradition, which emphasized strict law and equal punishment. It is often quoted alongside “法不徇情” and “铁面无私” (iron-faced and selfless). Its opposite is “徇情枉法” (bending the law for personal feelings) or “法不阿贵” violated by corruption.

In modern China, the idiom is frequently used in anti-corruption campaigns and legal discussions to stress that no official, however high-ranking, is above the law.

Similar English Expressions

• No one is above the law. – Even the powerful must obey the law.
• Justice is blind. – Justice should be impartial, without favoritism.
• The law is no respecter of persons. – The law applies equally to everyone.
• Equal justice under law. – The ideal that all people are equal before the law.
• Without fear or favor. – Acting fairly, not influenced by pressure or personal ties.
• Let justice be done though the heavens fall. – Justice must be carried out regardless of consequences.
• A government of laws, not of men. – Society should be ruled by law, not personal whims.

The closest and most natural equivalent is “No one is above the law” or “Equal justice under law.”