濫竽充數 (hold a post without qualification)
It comes from《韓非子．內儲說上》
濫：濫" has several meanings. Here, it is more like "substandard" or "not up to standard."
竽：a type of wind instrument (similar to panpipes)
充數：to make up the number
齊宣王(King Xuan of Qi) was a monarch of one of the seven major states during the 戰國時代(Warring States period, 475–221 BCE). He enjoyed listening to music, particularly orchestral performances.
One day, 齊宣王's orchestra was recruiting new musicians. The salary was generous, so even though Mr. 南郭 didn't know how to play any musical instruments, he pretended he could play the 竽. He hid within the ensemble, and no one noticed that he wasn't playing at all.
A few years later, 齊宣王 died. His successor did not enjoy ensemble performances; he preferred solo performances. Mr. 南郭 knew he couldn't stay any longer, as everyone would discover the truth. He fled as quickly as he could.
The idiom "濫竽充數" is used to refer to those who have no real skills but try to pass themselves off among professionals just to fill a spot. It also describes using substandard things to make a show. Furthermore, it can be used as a self-effacing remark about one's own inadequacy.
Similar Idiom: 魚目混珠(Mix the genuine with the fictitious)
魚目：fish eye
混：mix
珠：pearl
任昉(460-508 AD) was a renowned scholar of his time. He wrote an essay to express his gratitude for everyone's appreciation. In this essay, 任昉 was extremely self-effacing, describing himself as someone as worthless as fish eyes, yet being regarded as beautiful jade.
Later scholar 李善, in interpreting this passage, commented: "White bones can look like ivory, and fish eyes, at first glance, closely resemble pearls." Subsequently, the idiom "魚目混珠" came to be used to describe passing off the fake as genuine.
造句-如何使用 For example: How To Use
濫竽充數
- 這次參賽的作品只有幾幅比較好，其他多是濫竽充數，不值一提。
Only a few of the works in this competition are good. The rest are mostly just 濫竽充數 and not worth mentioning.
魚目混珠
- 這遊戲就叫「魚目混珠」，請大家從這盤白色的珠子裡挑出真的珍珠來。
This game is called "魚目混珠" Please sort the real pearls from the white beads on this plate.
This example is typically "魚目混珠," since I am not telling you how to use this idiom, but rather using it as a game title.
Now let's see the really example:
- 那家店會在真品裡面混雜贗品，企圖魚目混珠，欺騙上門的顧客。
The store mixed counterfeit products with genuine ones, attempting to 魚目混珠, deceive customers who came to the store.
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