暗箭伤人
暗箭伤人 (àn jiàn shāng rén) literally means “hidden arrow wounds person” and expresses “covert attacks avoiding direct confrontation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: an jian shang ren, an jian shang ren,暗箭伤人 meaning, 暗箭伤人 in english
Covert attacks avoiding direct confrontation
Pronunciation: àn jiàn shāng rén Literal meaning: Hidden arrow wounds person
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated from Tang Dynasty descriptions of battlefield ambush tactics before entering broader usage through Song Dynasty records of court intrigue, where officials used indirect methods to damage rivals' reputations. The imagery of hidden arrows (暗箭) wounding people (伤人) was particularly effective—arrows strike from distance with deadly accuracy while concealing the attacker. Unlike terms simply meaning 'harmful,' it specifically addresses the combination of deliberate concealment and damaging intent rather than just resulting injury. Modern usage spans workplace politics to social media, describing deliberately harmful actions designed to avoid accountability, particularly when the attacker seeks plausible deniability while still ensuring the victim and others recognize the source, creating intimidation without evidence sufficient for direct confrontation.
When to Use
Situation: The employee spread anonymous criticisms about colleagues instead of addressing issues directly
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 暗箭伤人 mean in English?
暗箭伤人 (àn jiàn shāng rén) literally translates to “Hidden arrow wounds person” and is used to express “Covert attacks avoiding direct confrontation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 暗箭伤人 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving covert attacks avoiding direct confrontation.
What is the pinyin for 暗箭伤人?
The pinyin pronunciation for 暗箭伤人 is “àn jiàn shāng rén”.