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Fàng Hǔ Guī Shān (放虎归山)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 放虎归山 Pinyin: fàng hǔ guī shān Literal Meaning: Set a tiger free and send it back to the mountains. Figurative Meaning: Spare a dangerous foe and let them escape, thus leaving hidden troubles and future threats. Cultural Background This is a common cautionary Chinese idiom rooted in ancient military history.…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 23.7
Han Feizi contrasts two official types: sycophants Chong Hou and E Lai pleased King Zhou but ignored Shang’s fall; loyal Bi Gan and Wu Zixu foresaw ruin yet died unjustly. Full wisdom needs both human insight and foresight of state trends.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 23.6
Han Feizi cites sculptor Huan He’s carving rule: carve noses larger and eyes smaller for later trimming. This teaches reserving room for revision to avoid irreversible mistakes in all affairs.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 23.5
Han Feizi tells Bo Le assigned rare thousand-li steed appraisal to disliked pupils and quick-profit nag judging to favorites, warning against impractical decisions guided by superficial opinions.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 23.4
Han Feizi notes eels and silkworms look frightening like snakes and caterpillars, yet people handle them boldly for profit. Gain drives ordinary folks as brave as famed warriors Meng Ben and Zhuan Zhu.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 23.3
Han Feizi tells of the Zhouzhou bird with a heavy head and bent tail; it grips its feathers to keep balance while drinking. The fable teaches people short of strength must seek outside support.