纵横捭阖
纵横捭阖 (zòng héng bǎi hé) literally means “vertical and horizontal strategies” 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 strategies
Origin & Usage
The idiom 纵横捭阖 (zòng héng bǎi hé) originates from the teachings of the ancient strategist 鬼谷子 (Guiguzi), whose real name was 王诩 (Wang Xu). He was a master of strategy and diplomacy during the Warring States period. This idiom is derived from his work, 《鬼谷子·捭阖》, where he describes the art of persuasion and strategic alliances. The characters 纵 (zòng) and 横 (héng) refer to vertical and horizontal strategies, while 捭 (bǎi) and 阖 (hé) mean to open and close, respectively. Together, they illustrate the dynamic and flexible use of strategies to influence and manipulate political landscapes. In modern usage, this idiom is employed to describe the skillful use of diplomacy and strategy to form alliances or divide opponents, often in political or diplomatic contexts.
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
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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鹬蚌相争
yù bàng xiāng zhēng
Mutual conflict benefits third party
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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 strategies” 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”.