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Jiǎ Tú Miè Guó (假途灭虢)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 假途灭虢Pinyin: jiǎ tú miè guóLiteral Meaning: Seize a state by borrowing passage through its territoryFigurative Meaning: A crafty tactic of taking advantage of asking for passage to invade and eliminate the target party secretly Cultural Background The idiom comes from Spring and Autumn Period history. It exposes deceptive military and…
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Jiǎo Tù Sān Kū (狡兔三窟)
Chinese Idiom: 狡兔三窟Pinyin: jiǎo tù sān kūLiteral Meaning: A cunning hare has three burrows.Figurative Meaning: One keeps multiple hideouts or backup plans to avoid dangers and troubles. Cultural Note This idiom originates from a classic political story in ancient China. It depicts prudent survival wisdom, referring to people who prepare multiple ways out to…
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Pò Fǔ Chén Zhōu (破釜沉舟)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 破釜沉舟Pinyin: pò fǔ chén zhōuLiteral Meaning: Smash cooking pots and sink sailing boats.Figurative Meaning: Fight a decisive battle with no retreat. It also means making a firm resolution to carry things through regardless of difficulties. Cultural Background Derived from a well-known ancient military story – Xiang Yu’s Gamble at Julu.…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 20.20
This passage from Han Feizi explains Legalist governance. A virtuous ruler pursues peace via ritual diplomacy, prioritizes agriculture, curbs extravagance, and turns war horses to farm work, embodying “retire war-horses to fertilize fields.”
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Han Feizi – Chapter 20.19
This excerpt from Han Feizi interprets Daoist thought through Legalist governance. It argues good rule curbs punishment, calms people’s desires, dispels ghostly superstition, and fosters harmony between ruler and people, human and ghost.