Chinese Idiom: 生死存亡 (Sheng Si Cun Wang)
English Translation: Life and death, survival and extinction
pīn yīn: shēng sǐ cún wáng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation of extreme urgency where outcomes are critical, and it is a matter of life or death, survival or destruction.
Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (《左传》), specifically from the 15th year of Duke Ding.
Idiom Story:
In 495 BC, during the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Ying of the state of Zhu (ancient name for Zou) visited the state of Lu to meet Duke Ding of Lu. A grand ceremony was held to welcome him, and Confucius’ student, Zigong, was also present as a witness.
During the ceremony, Duke Ying held up a jade ornament with an air of arrogance, while Duke Ding received it with a bow and a lowered head. This stark contrast in their attitudes surprised the attendees.
Zigong commented on the situation, noting that the custom of presenting jade ornaments during such meetings was established in the Zhou Dynasty as a mark of respect. According to Zigong, the way the two rulers behaved indicated that the survival of their states was at stake. He explained that the formality of rituals—whether in meetings, sacrifices, funerals, or wars—reflected the stability and future of the states.
Zigong observed that the failure to adhere to proper rituals during the meeting signaled a loss of respect and proper conduct. He remarked that Duke Ying’s arrogance and Duke Ding’s submissiveness were signs of imminent trouble. The display of arrogance by Duke Ying was a harbinger of possible turmoil, while the submissive posture of Duke Ding suggested decline and weakness. As a result, Zigong feared that Lu’s ruler might be the first to face ruin.
Thus, the idiom “生死存亡” came to symbolize critical situations where the stakes are as high as life or death, and survival or extinction is at hand.
