Wú shì, bù dēng Sānbǎodiàn.*

無事不登三寶殿。

Lit [If one did] not have any business, [one] would not enter the [Buddhist] temple hall.

Fig One never goes to visit someone unless one is in need of help, e.g., I wouldn't be here bothering you, except I have to ask a favor; (s)he only comes here when (s)he needs a favor, etc.

Note [Cf. Jīn Píng Méi (JPM), chap. 91; see also lái zài huā shù above.]

Topics FAVORS JPM MOTIVES VISITING