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.
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.
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