纵横捭阖
纵横捭阖 (zòng héng bǎi hé) literally means “vertical and horizontal alliances, opening and closing” and expresses “strategic maneuvering”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: zong heng bai he, zong heng bai he,纵横捭阖 meaning, 纵横捭阖 in english
Strategic maneuvering
Pronunciation: zòng héng bǎi hé Literal meaning: Vertical and horizontal alliances, opening and closing
Origin & Usage
纵 and 横 are the vertical and horizontal alliances of the Warring States — the north-south coalition against Qin and the east-west accommodation with it — and the men who built and broke them were professional persuaders. 捭 and 阖 mean to open and to close, from the manual attributed to Guiguzi, their legendary teacher. The phrase names the whole craft: opening a party up, closing it off, working a system of states by talk alone. Diplomacy and high politics, with a distinct edge of manipulation.
Examples
English: "In business, he skillfully navigated the negotiations to secure a favorable deal."
Chinese: 在商业中，他纵横捭阖，成功达成了有利的交易。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
欲擒故纵
yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
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横行霸道
héng xíng bà dào
Arrogant and lawless
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阖家欢乐
hé jiā huān lè
May your whole family be happy
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混水摸鱼
hún shuǐ mō yú
Exploit chaos
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火中取栗
huǒ zhōng qǔ lì
Used by others
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将计就计
jiāng jì jiù jì
Turn the enemy's own plot against him
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锦囊妙计
jǐn náng miào jì
Prepared clever strategy
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里应外合
lǐ yìng wài hé
An inside accomplice working with an outside force
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 纵横捭阖 mean in English?
纵横捭阖 (zòng héng bǎi hé) literally translates to “Vertical and horizontal alliances, opening and closing” and is used to express “Strategic maneuvering”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 纵横捭阖 used?
Situation: In business, he skillfully navigated the negotiations to secure a favorable deal.
What is the pinyin for 纵横捭阖?
The pinyin pronunciation for 纵横捭阖 is “zòng héng bǎi hé”.