自作主张
zì zuò zhǔ zhāng
Unauthorized decision making · trad. 自作主張
Describes someone who makes decisions or takes action without consulting others or seeking approval. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that one has overstepped their authority or acted presumptuously.
What does 自作主张 (zì zuò zhǔ zhāng) mean?
自作主张 (zì zuò zhǔ zhāng) means "unauthorized decision making" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "make one's own decisions."
Character by character
- 自 zì self, oneself
- 作 zuò make, act
- 主 zhǔ master, principal
- 张 zhāng idea, opinion
When to use it
Typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts to criticize someone for acting unilaterally. It implies that the person should have sought permission, advice, or consensus before proceeding.
Example
这件事,他没有请示上级就自作主张处理了,来了个先斩后奏。
Zhèjiàn shì, tā méiyǒu qǐngshì shàngjí jiù zì zuò zhǔ zhāng chǔlǐ le, lái le gè xiānzhǎnhòuzòu.
He handled this matter independently without consulting his superiors, essentially acting first and reporting later.
Pro tip: While it means to act independently, the idiom almost always implies a negative judgment, suggesting the person acted improperly or without due authorization.
Related idioms
争先恐后 · Vying to be first自言自语 · Talking to oneself自作自受 · Consequences of one's actions
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