逆来顺受

Pronunciation: nì lái shùn shòu Literal meaning: Endure the adverse

Origin & Usage

Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 逆来顺受 (nì lái shùn shòu) conveys the notion of enduring adverse circumstances or unjust treatment with a submissive attitude. The phrase first appeared in the Yuan dynasty play 《琵琶记》 by Gao Zecheng, where it was used to describe a character's acceptance of misfortune. The characters 逆 (nì, adverse) and 顺受 (shùn shòu, to endure) together suggest a passive acceptance of difficulties. In modern usage, this idiom often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of resistance or assertiveness in the face of unfair situations. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential pitfalls of excessive compliance.

Examples

English: "Despite the challenges, she chose to accept her fate rather than fight against it."

Chinese: 尽管面临挑战，她选择逆来顺受，而不是反抗。