不攻自破
不攻自破 (bù gōng zì pò) literally means “without attack self-collapse” and expresses “collapse without being attacked; self-defeating”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: bu gong zi po, bu gong zi po,不攻自破 meaning, 不攻自破 in english
Collapse without being attacked; self-defeating
Pronunciation: bù gōng zì pò Literal meaning: Without attack self-collapse
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes something collapsing (破) by itself (自) without (不) attack (攻). Originally a military term for fortifications so weak they crumble without assault, it evolved to describe arguments or positions that are inherently unsustainable. The phrase appeared in strategy texts discussing situations where patience defeats opponents naturally. Modern usage describes weak arguments, flawed plans, or unstable situations that fail without external intervention.
Examples
English: "His flimsy argument fell apart without anyone even challenging it."
Chinese: 他站不住脚的论点不攻自破。
Related Chinese Idioms
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胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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冰消瓦解
bīng xiāo wǎ jiě
Complete collapse
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步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
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退避三舍
tuì bì sān shè
Make concessions to avoid conflict
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
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釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不攻自破 mean in English?
不攻自破 (bù gōng zì pò) literally translates to “Without attack self-collapse” and is used to express “Collapse without being attacked; self-defeating”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 不攻自破 used?
Situation: His flimsy argument fell apart without anyone even challenging it.
What is the pinyin for 不攻自破?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不攻自破 is “bù gōng zì pò”.