Chinese Idiom: 所向无前 (Suo Xiang Wu Qian)
English Translation: Unstoppable wherever one goes
pīn yīn: suǒ xiàng wú qián
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an army can advance without encountering any obstacles. It signifies a powerful and relentless force that cannot be hindered.
Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), specifically in the biography of Xiahou Yuan.
Idiom Story:
In the year 211 AD, after unifying northern China, Cao Cao launched a military campaign to the west, decisively defeating the allied forces of Han Sui and Ma Chao. Following this victory, he occupied Chang’an and appointed General Xiahou Yuan to defend the area.
Over the next three years, Xiahou Yuan continued to engage in battles, driving Ma Chao away and forcing Han Sui to retreat to Lueyang. However, Han Sui, with support from Song Jian and others, prepared to defend his stronghold in Lueyang. To lure Han Sui out of his fortified position, Xiahou Yuan set fire to the villages of the Qiang people, prompting Han Sui to respond and engage in battle. As a result, Xiahou Yuan was able to defeat Han Sui’s forces.
Emboldened by his success, Xiahou Yuan pressed the attack, with his vanguard led by Zhang Tai quickly reaching the city of Paohan. In response, Song Jian ordered the city gates closed and sent messengers to summon allied Qiang forces for assistance. The two sides found themselves locked in a stalemate.
Recognizing the need for decisive action, Xiahou Yuan personally led a full-scale assault on Paohan. After over a month of relentless attacks, the defenders finally succumbed. The city fell, and Song Jian was captured. He refused to surrender and was executed.
Upon receiving the report of this victory, Cao Cao issued an order in Xuchang to reward Xiahou Yuan for his accomplishments, stating: “Song Jian has been a rebel for over thirty years, and now he has been decisively defeated by General Xiahou in one fell swoop. General Xiahou has truly pounced on Long Right like a ferocious tiger, with nothing to block his advance.”
This phrase, “所向无前,” thus symbolizes an unstoppable force and serves as a powerful metaphor for unwavering determination and strength in the face of challenges.
