鹬蚌相争
鹬蚌相争 (yù bàng xiāng zhēng) literally means “snipe clam mutual fight” and expresses “mutual conflict benefits third party”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: yu bang xiang zheng, yu bang xiang zheng,鹬蚌相争 meaning, 鹬蚌相争 in english
Mutual conflict benefits third party
Pronunciation: yù bàng xiāng zhēng
Literal meaning: Snipe clam mutual fight
Origin & Usage
This cautionary tale depicts a snipe (鹬) and clam (蚌) in mutual (相) combat (争), originating from the 'Strategies of the Warring States' around 300 BCE. During the Han Dynasty, political advisors frequently cited it to warn rulers about the dangers of becoming obsessed with immediate opponents while ignoring larger threats. The animal imagery resonated deeply in Chinese strategic thought, where natural behaviors often illustrated human folly. Modern usage spans from business competition to international relations, warning how mutual antagonism can blind opponents to emerging threats.
When to Use
Situation: While the two companies were locked in legal battles, a third competitor captured their market share
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
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Absolutely sure; foolproof
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mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
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Inescapable net; dragnet
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Be imperative; must be done
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Married couple with great mutual respect
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yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
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Relieve pressure by attacking the source
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鹬蚌相争 mean in English?
鹬蚌相争 (yù bàng xiāng zhēng) literally translates to “Snipe clam mutual fight” and is used to express “Mutual conflict benefits third party”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 鹬蚌相争 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving mutual conflict benefits third party.
What is the pinyin for 鹬蚌相争?
The pinyin pronunciation for 鹬蚌相争 is “yù bàng xiāng zhēng”.