不攻自破
不攻自破 (bù gōng zì pò) literally means “without attack self-collapse”and expresses “collapse without being attacked; self-defeating”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.
Also searched as: bu gong zi po, bu gong zi po,不攻自破 meaning, 不攻自破 in english
Pronunciation: bù gōng zì pò Literal meaning: Without attack self-collapse
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes something collapsing (破) by itself (自) without (不) attack (攻). Originally a military term for fortifications so weak they crumble without assault, it evolved to describe arguments or positions that are inherently unsustainable. The phrase appeared in strategy texts discussing situations where patience defeats opponents naturally. Modern usage describes weak arguments, flawed plans, or unstable situations that fail without external intervention.
When to Use
Situation: His flimsy argument fell apart without anyone even challenging it.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
万无一失
wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
Learn more →
密不透风
mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
Learn more →
天罗地网
tiān luó dì wǎng
Inescapable net; dragnet
Learn more →
势在必行
shì zài bì xíng
Be imperative; must be done
Learn more →
稳扎稳打
wěn zhā wěn dǎ
Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
Learn more →
欲擒故纵
yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
Learn more →
围魏救赵
wéi wèi jiù zhào
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
Learn more →
以退为进
yǐ tuì wéi jìn
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不攻自破 mean in English?
不攻自破 (bù gōng zì pò) literally translates to “Without attack self-collapse”and is used to express “Collapse without being attacked; self-defeating”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & Action category..
When is 不攻自破 used?
Situation: His flimsy argument fell apart without anyone even challenging it.
What is the pinyin for 不攻自破?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不攻自破 is “bù gōng zì pò”.