唱空城计
唱空城计 (chàng kōng chéng jì) literally means “perform empty city strategy” and expresses “use bold confidence to mask vulnerability”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: chang kong cheng ji, chang kong cheng ji,唱空城计 meaning, 唱空城计 in english
Use bold confidence to mask vulnerability
Pronunciation: chàng kōng chéng jì Literal meaning: Perform empty city strategy
Origin & Usage
The 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' immortalized Zhuge Liang's empty city strategy (空城计), where performing (唱) apparent confidence masked real vulnerability. Ming Dynasty writers transformed this specific historical incident into a broader strategic principle. The theatrical element proves crucial - success depends not just on the deception but on the convincing performance of calm assurance.
Examples
English: "The financially struggling company projected confidence to prevent competitors from attacking"
Chinese: 这家财务困难的公司展现出信心，以防止竞争对手发起攻击
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
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胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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借花献佛
jiè huā xiàn fó
Use others' resources
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蚁穴坏堤
yǐ xuē huài dī
Small problems cause disaster
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 唱空城计 mean in English?
唱空城计 (chàng kōng chéng jì) literally translates to “Perform empty city strategy” and is used to express “Use bold confidence to mask vulnerability”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 唱空城计 used?
Situation: The financially struggling company projected confidence to prevent competitors from attacking
What is the pinyin for 唱空城计?
The pinyin pronunciation for 唱空城计 is “chàng kōng chéng jì”.