Chinese Idiom: 双管齐下 (Shuang Guan Qi Xia)
English Translation: Using both brushes simultaneously
pīn yīn: shuāng guǎn qí xià
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the simultaneous and effective handling of two tasks or approaches.
Historical Source: Tang Dynasty Minghua Lu (《唐朝名画录》) by Zhu Jingxuan.
Idiom Story
The idiom “双管齐下” comes from the unique painting technique of the Tang Dynasty artist Zhang Zao. Zhang Zao, from Wuxian (modern Suzhou, Jiangsu), was renowned for his exceptional skills in painting landscapes and trees, particularly pine trees.
He was known for his innovative method of painting pine trees. Zhang Zao would hold two brushes in his hands simultaneously, using one to paint the vibrant, living branches and the other to depict the withered, dead branches. This technique allowed him to create a dynamic and lifelike portrayal of pine trees, with a balance of lush green foliage and rugged, textured bark that seemed to convey the spirit of both spring and autumn.
Zhang Zao’s technique, described as having a majestic and vivid effect, made his paintings highly regarded. His method of employing two brushes at once was so impressive that it was termed “双管齐下,” meaning to handle two aspects simultaneously with efficiency and skill.
Over time, this term came to symbolize the idea of addressing or managing two tasks at once, drawing from Zhang Zao’s remarkable dual-brush technique that exemplified efficiency and effectiveness in his artistry.
