背道而驰 (Bèi dào ér chí)

Basic Info

• Chinese Idiom: 背道而驰 (Bèi dào ér chí)
• Pinyin: bèi dào ér chí
• Literal meaning: “To gallop in the opposite direction of the road.”
  (背 = to turn one’s back on / go against; 道 = road / way / path; 而 = and / then; 驰 = to gallop / race)

The image is of someone racing full speed in the opposite direction from the proper road or from someone else.

Figurative Definition

It means to move in a direction completely opposite to the right one, or to someone else’s direction – to be diametrically opposed in purpose, method, or goal. It can describe:

1. Two parties growing further apart – their goals and actions are moving in opposite directions.
2. A person or policy moving away from the correct path – acting contrary to what is right, reasonable, or intended.

A useful distinction from its near-synonym “南辕北辙” (nán yuán běi zhé – “southbound carriage, northbound ruts”):

• 背道而驰 describes two things moving apart – the distance between them grows.
• 南辕北辙 describes one thing whose action and purpose are opposite – the method contradicts the goal.

In short: galloping the wrong way – heading in the opposite direction.

Cultural & Historical Origin

This idiom comes from the Tang Dynasty writer Liu Zongyuan (柳宗元), in his Postscript to the Collected Works of Yang Pingshi (《杨评事文集》后序):

“其余各探一隅，相与背驰于道者，其去弥远。”
(“The rest each explored a different corner, and those who galloped in opposite directions from the Way drifted further and further apart.”)

Liu Zongyuan was discussing literary and intellectual paths: different writers explored different directions, and those who turned away from the true Way grew ever more distant from it. The idiom was born from this image of diverging paths – once you turn your back on the road, every step takes you further away.

Key Lesson

Direction matters more than speed. The idiom warns that effort and energy are wasted if you are heading the wrong way. A person can be diligent, passionate, and fast – and still be “背道而驰,” racing away from the goal. Before you run, check the direction. And when two people or parties find themselves “背道而驰,” honest communication is needed – otherwise the distance only grows.

Cultural Note

In modern Chinese, “背道而驰” is a formal, critical idiom. It appears in:

• Political and policy commentary – describing actions contrary to stated goals.
• Moral and social criticism – describing behavior that violates accepted principles.
• Describing relationships or alliances – two parties whose interests have diverged.
• Everyday speech – “他的做法与我们的目标背道而驰。” (“His approach runs counter to our goals.”)

Its near-synonym is “南辕北辙” (method contradicts purpose). Its opposite is “殊途同归” (shū tú tóng guī – “different paths, same destination”).

Similar English Expressions

• To run counter to – To be contrary to something – the closest formal equivalent.
• To go in opposite directions – A direct literal rendering.
• Diametrically opposed – Completely opposite in nature or purpose.
• At odds with – In conflict or disagreement with.
• To move further apart – Emphasizing growing distance.
• To pull in opposite directions – Two forces or parties diverging.
• To be headed the wrong way – Simple and direct.
• To fly in the face of – To openly defy or contradict (stronger).

The closest and most natural equivalents are “to run counter to,” “diametrically opposed,” and “at odds with.”

In short, “背道而驰” means galloping in the opposite direction of the road – a formal Chinese idiom for moving in complete opposition to the right path or to someone else’s direction, and a reminder that speed means nothing if you are headed the wrong way.