四面楚歌
四面楚歌 (sì miàn chǔ gē) literally means “chu songs from four sides” and expresses “surrounded by hostility”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: si mian chu ge, si mian chu ge,四面楚歌 meaning, 四面楚歌 in english
Surrounded by hostility
Pronunciation: sì miàn chǔ gē
Literal meaning: Chu songs from four sides
Origin & Usage
This poignant idiom originates from the final battle of Xiang Yu in 202 BCE. Surrounded by Han forces at Gaixia, Xiang Yu heard songs (歌) from his homeland of Chu being sung from all four sides (四面), indicating his own people had surrendered to Liu Bang. The psychological warfare strategy proved devastating – hearing familiar Chu melodies from enemy camps broke Xiang Yu's spirit. The term evolved beyond its military origins to describe situations where someone faces complete isolation or overwhelming opposition. In modern usage, it often depicts professional or personal scenarios where former allies have become adversaries, or when someone finds themselves alone in their convictions. The idiom carries a particular resonance in corporate politics and social movements, where shifting allegiances can leave individuals suddenly isolated.
Examples
English: "The small company found itself facing competition from all sides"
Chinese: 这家小公司发现自己四面受敌
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 四面楚歌 mean in English?
四面楚歌 (sì miàn chǔ gē) literally translates to “Chu songs from four sides” and is used to express “Surrounded by hostility”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 四面楚歌 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving surrounded by hostility.
What is the pinyin for 四面楚歌?
The pinyin pronunciation for 四面楚歌 is “sì miàn chǔ gē”.