沾光 zhānguāng to bask in the light
to bask in the light; figuratively to benefit from association with somebody or something; reflected glory
How to remember 沾光: 沾 to moisten + 光 light = to bask in the light.
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How it is used
- Means to benefit from your connection to someone/something successful - 沾他的光 (zhān tā de guāng) to benefit from his good fortune / ride his coattails.
- Often said modestly or half-jokingly when you get a perk thanks to someone else - 跟着你我也沾了光 (gēnzhe nǐ wǒ yě zhān le guāng) tagging along with you, I got to share in the benefit.
- It's a verb-object phrase, so it splits: 沾了不少光 (zhān le bùshǎo guāng) benefited quite a bit.