与虎谋皮
与虎谋皮 (yǔ hǔ móu pí) literally means “with tiger plot skin” and expresses “asking someone to sacrifice their core interests”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: yu hu mou pi, yu hu mou pi,与虎谋皮 meaning, 与虎谋皮 in english
Asking someone to sacrifice their core interests
Pronunciation: yǔ hǔ móu pí Literal meaning: With tiger plot skin
Origin & Usage
Originating from the 'Strategies of the Warring States' around 300 BCE, the phrase describes the futility of discussing with a tiger (与虎) about acquiring its skin (谋皮). The metaphor emerged from diplomatic discourse about impossible negotiations where self-preservation inevitably overrides agreements. Tang Dynasty strategists frequently invoked it in political discussions, with tigers representing both power and fundamental self-interest. Modern usage spans business negotiations to international relations, describing situations where one party is asked to surrender something essential to their survival.
Examples
English: "Negotiating with the monopoly about fair pricing was like asking a tiger for its own hide"
Chinese: 与垄断企业谈判公平定价就像与虎谋皮
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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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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推波助澜
tuī bō zhù lán
Amplifying existing trends or momentum
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 与虎谋皮 mean in English?
与虎谋皮 (yǔ hǔ móu pí) literally translates to “With tiger plot skin” and is used to express “Asking someone to sacrifice their core interests”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 与虎谋皮 used?
Situation: Negotiating with the monopoly about fair pricing was like asking a tiger for its own hide
What is the pinyin for 与虎谋皮?
The pinyin pronunciation for 与虎谋皮 is “yǔ hǔ móu pí”.