背道而驰
背道而驰 (bèi dào ér chí) literally means “gallop in opposite direction” and expresses “misguided actions”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: bei dao er chi, bei dao er chi,背道而驰 meaning, 背道而驰 in english
Misguided actions
Pronunciation: bèi dào ér chí Literal meaning: Gallop in opposite direction
Origin & Usage
The idiom 背道而驰 (bèi dào ér chí) originates from a story during the Warring States period. A minister named Ji Liang (季梁) was tasked with a diplomatic mission when he heard of King Anxi of Wei's (魏安釐王) plan to attack the Zhao state. Ji Liang returned to warn the king, using the analogy of a traveler heading north while intending to reach the southern state of Chu. Despite having a fast horse and an experienced driver, the traveler was moving in the wrong direction, thus getting further from his goal. The idiom (背, back; 道, path; 而, and; 驰, gallop) illustrates the futility of pursuing a goal with misguided actions. In modern usage, it highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with their objectives to avoid counterproductive efforts.
Examples
English: "Their opinions on the matter are so different that they seem to be running in opposite directions."
Chinese: 他们在这个问题上的看法背道而驰。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
一波三折
yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láo
Love ease, hate work
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Extremes lead to reversal
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
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因果报应
yīn guǒ bào yìng
Actions have consequences
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 背道而驰 mean in English?
背道而驰 (bèi dào ér chí) literally translates to “Gallop in opposite direction” and is used to express “Misguided actions”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 背道而驰 used?
Situation: Their opinions on the matter are so different that they seem to be running in opposite directions.
What is the pinyin for 背道而驰?
The pinyin pronunciation for 背道而驰 is “bèi dào ér chí”.