|
The
Conceited Coachman
One
day Yen Tzu, prime minister of the state of Chi, went out in
his carriage. His coachman's wife, from her gate, saw her
husband looking thoroughtly smug
and conceited under the
great carriage awning as he drove his four horses.
When
the coachman went home, his wife told him she wanted to
leave him.
Her
husband asked her why.
"
Yen Tzu is prime minister of Chi, " she replied. "
He is famed throughtout the states. But I saw him out today,
deep in thought and not giving himself any airs. You are
only a coachman, yet you look so conceited and pleased with
yourself. That's why I want to leave you. "
After
this, her husband behaved more modestly. When Yen Tzu,
surprised, inquired the reason for this change, the coachman
told him the truth. Then Yen Tzu recommended him for an
official post.
|
smug |
If you say
that someone is smug, you are criticizing the fact
they seem very pleased with how good, clever, or
fortunate they are. |
|
|
|
|
conceited |
If
you say that someone is conceited, you are showing
your disapproval of the fact that they are far too
proud of their abilities or achievements. |
|
