只许州官放火， 不准百姓点灯

只许州官放火， 不准百姓点灯 [zhǐ xǔ zhōu guān fàng huǒ bù zhǔn bǎi xìng diǎn dēng]

1. ■ The magistrates were allowed to burn down houses, while the common people were forbidden even to light lamps.; One man may steal a horse while another may not look over a hedge.; The magistrates are free to burn down houses, while the common people are forbidden even to light lamps.; The powerful can do whatever they want; the weak are not allowed to do anything.