Basic Information
Chinese Idiom: 危如累卵
Pinyin: wēi rú lěi luǎn
Literal Meaning: As dangerous as eggs piled one on top of another.
Figurative Meaning: A situation is extremely precarious and likely to collapse or fail at any moment.
Extended Background & Usage Notes
This ancient Chinese idiom uses a vivid visual metaphor. Stacking eggs is extremely unstable – even a small shake will make them fall and break. It is mainly used to describe dangerous national security, political situations, enterprises, or personal circumstances, carrying a strong warning tone. It is usually a derogatory expression emphasizing extreme risk and instability.
Origin
- From Han Feizi · Ten Faults (Warring States Period):
The State of Cao was a small nation squeezed between Jin and Chu. Its ruler’s position was as precarious as piled‑up eggs. - From Records of the Grand Historian · Biographies of Fan Ju and Cai Ze:
The state of King Qin is more dangerous than piled eggs; only with my service can it be secured. - From Book of Liang · Biography of Hou Jing:
They also said my forces are too weak to defend myself, and my position is as perilous as stacked eggs.
Usage
It describes an extremely unstable and risky situation that may collapse instantly, commonly used in politics, military affairs, business and critical social conditions.
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