吃独食 · chī dú shí

Literally: eat all by yourself Usually means: refuse to share

More than a plate of dumplings

Picture a full plate of dumplings, a table of empty bowls — and one person refusing to share. That is the image behind 吃独食.

It is not only about food. You can 吃独食 with opportunities, useful information, credit, or any benefit you keep for yourself.

有好机会别自己吃独食啊。Yǒu hǎo jīhuì bié zìjǐ chī dúshí a.Don’t keep a good opportunity all to yourself.

Tone note

It is often a light complaint between friends or colleagues, but it can also be a real criticism when sharing is expected.

Try another thing Chinese people “eat”

吃瓜 — follow the gossip 吃醋 — be jealous