Wò xīn cháng dǎn
卧薪尝胆
释义：
Enduring hardships to achieve revenge.
忍辱负重，发愤图强。
历史背景：
越王勾践被吴国打败后，睡柴草尝苦胆，最终灭吴复国。
King Goujian of Yue slept on firewood and tasted gall daily after defeat by Wu, eventually destroying Wu to reclaim his kingdom.
典 故
Allusions & Stories
What's the
Let’s unlock Chinese together！
Lǎo mǎ shí tú
老马识途
释义：
Experience is valuable.
经验丰富者能指引方向。
历史背景：
管仲利用老马找到归路，助齐桓公脱困。
Guan Zhong used an old horse to guide Duke Huan of Qi out of a desert.
Zhǐ shàng tán bīng
纸上谈兵
释义：
Empty theories without practical ability.
空谈理论缺乏实践。
历史背景：
赵括熟读兵书却不会实战，导致长平惨败。
Zhao Kuo memorized military strategies but failed in battle, leading to the Battle of Changping disaster.
Wéi Wèi jiù Zhào
围魏救赵
释义：
Relieving a siege by attacking the enemy’s base.
通过攻击敌方要害解围。
历史背景：
孙膑率齐军围攻魏国都城大梁，迫使庞涓撤兵回援。
Sun Bin led Qi troops to besiege Wei’s capital Daliang, forcing Pang Juan to withdraw and rescue his homeland.
Cǎo chuán jiè jiàn
草船借箭
释义：
Resourcefully obtaining supplies from enemies.
智取敌方资源。
历史背景：
诸葛亮用草船佯攻，获曹军十万支箭。
Zhuge Liang used straw boats to trick Cao Cao’s army into shooting 100,000 arrows.)
Wàng méi zhǐ kě
望梅止渴
释义：
Using illusions to boost morale.
用虚幻希望激励他人。
历史背景：
曹操谎称前方有梅林，激励士兵行军。
Cao Cao claimed a plum forest lay ahead to motivate thirsty soldiers to march on.
Shēn zài Cáo yíng xīn zài Hàn
身在曹营心在汉
释义：
Physical presence but mental loyalty elsewhere.
身体在此，心属他方。
历史背景：
Despite Cao Cao’s generosity, Guan Yu remained loyal to Liu Bei.
Wàn shì jù bèi, zhǐ qiàn dōng fēng
万事俱备，只欠东风
释义：
All preparations complete except for a crucial element.
关键条件缺失。
历史背景：
诸葛亮借东风完成火攻赤壁的最后准备。
Zhuge Liang waited for the east wind to finalize the fire attack at Red Cliffs.
Bēi jiǔ shì bīng quán
杯酒释兵权
释义：
Removing military power through diplomatic means.
和平解除将领兵权。
历史背景：
赵匡胤宴请将领，暗示其交出兵权。
Emperor Taizu of Song hinted at generals to surrender military power over a banquet.
Jīng zhōng bào guó
精忠报国
释义：
Loyal devotion to the country.
竭尽忠诚报效国家。
历史背景：
岳飞母亲在其背刺四字，激励其抗金。
Yue Fei’s mother tattooed “Serve the Country Loyalty” on his back to inspire him against the Jin.
Pò fǔ chén zhōu
破釜沉舟
释义：
Cutting off retreat to boost determination.
断绝退路背水一战。
历史背景：
项羽渡河后砸锅沉船，激发楚军死战决心。
Xiang Yu smashed cauldrons and sank boats after crossing a river to rally his troops.