唱空城计(唱空城計)
唱空城计 (chàng kōng chéng jì) literally means “perform empty city strategy”and expresses “use bold confidence to mask vulnerability”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.
Also searched as: chang kong cheng ji, chang kong cheng ji,唱空城计 meaning, 唱空城计 in english
Pronunciation: chàng kōng chéng jì Literal meaning: Perform empty city strategy
Origin & Usage
The 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' immortalized Zhuge Liang's empty city strategy (空城计), where performing (唱) apparent confidence masked real vulnerability. Ming Dynasty writers transformed this specific historical incident into a broader strategic principle. The theatrical element proves crucial - success depends not just on the deception but on the convincing performance of calm assurance.
When to Use
Situation: The financially struggling company projected confidence to prevent competitors from attacking
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
万无一失
wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
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密不透风
mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
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Inescapable net; dragnet
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势在必行
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Be imperative; must be done
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稳扎稳打
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Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
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Be complacent; refuse to improve
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yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
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wéi wèi jiù zhào
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 唱空城计 mean in English?
唱空城计 (chàng kōng chéng jì) literally translates to “Perform empty city strategy”and is used to express “Use bold confidence to mask vulnerability”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & Action category..
When is 唱空城计 used?
Situation: The financially struggling company projected confidence to prevent competitors from attacking
What is the pinyin for 唱空城计?
The pinyin pronunciation for 唱空城计 is “chàng kōng chéng jì”.