只许州官放火，不准百姓点灯 meaning in English
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
Examples
- The public may also perceive that the government is adopting double - standards when considering applications from the private sector and the public sector for developments within the wca
公众亦会质疑政府于审核湿地保育区内的私人与公共发展建议时持双重标准，实有只许州官放火，不准百姓点灯之虞！