损兵折将
损兵折将 (sǔn bīng zhé jiàng) literally means “lose soldiers and generals” and expresses “suffer heavy losses”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: sun bing zhe jiang, sun bing zhe jiang,损兵折将 meaning, 损兵折将 in english
Suffer heavy losses
Pronunciation: sǔn bīng zhé jiàng Literal meaning: Lose soldiers and generals
Origin & Usage
Losing (损) the rank and file (兵) and breaking (折) the officers (将). 折 is snapping rather than merely losing, and the phrase's force is in naming both levels: an army can absorb casualties among its soldiers, but the loss of commanders is what makes a defeat structural. It comes from Yuan drama and is standard in vernacular fiction. Companies losing staff and executives together, and sports teams losing players to injury.
Examples
English: "The battle was costly, resulting in significant losses on both sides."
Chinese: 这场战斗损兵折将，损失惨重。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
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sǔn rén lì jǐ
Selfish gain
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将计就计
jiāng jì jiù jì
Turn the enemy's own plot against him
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百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
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一波三折
yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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厉兵秣马
lì bīng mò mǎ
Make thorough preparations; get ready for action
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兵不厌诈
bīng bù yàn zhà
Strategic deception
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将心比心
jiāng xīn bǐ xīn
Empathy and understanding
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恩将仇报
ēn jiāng chóu bào
Ingratitude and betrayal
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 损兵折将 mean in English?
损兵折将 (sǔn bīng zhé jiàng) literally translates to “Lose soldiers and generals” and is used to express “Suffer heavy losses”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 损兵折将 used?
Situation: The battle was costly, resulting in significant losses on both sides.
What is the pinyin for 损兵折将?
The pinyin pronunciation for 损兵折将 is “sǔn bīng zhé jiàng”.