Chinese Idiom: 背水一战 (Bei Shui Yi Zhan)
English Translation: Fight with one’s back to the river
pīn yīn: bèi shuǐ yī zhàn
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to fighting a decisive battle with no way to retreat, symbolizing a commitment to win at all costs.
Historical Source: “史记 ·淮阴侯列传” (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Han Xin).
Idiom Story:
Idiom Story:
In 206 BCE, during the early days of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang appointed Han Xin as a general. Following Han Xin’s advice, Liu Bang advanced into the heart of enemy territory, aiming to secure the region. Han Xin, leading an army of several tens of thousands, crossed the Yellow River and achieved multiple victories, even capturing Wei Bao, the king of Wei.
As Han Xin pressed on towards Zhao, he found himself deep in enemy territory with a long supply line and little hope of reinforcements. Concerned about a prolonged conflict, he devised a bold strategy at the narrow and strategic Juying Pass (井陉口).
The Zhao army, led by Zhao Xie and Chen Yu, had gathered a formidable force of 200,000 soldiers, fortifying their position at the pass. Han Xin set up camp about 30 miles away and planned an ambush. Under the cover of night, he dispatched 2,000 light cavalrymen to take hidden positions on a small hill behind the Zhao camp, instructing them to attack once the Zhao army pursued him.
The next morning, Han Xin prepared his main forces, positioning them with their backs to the river (the Huai River) to create a sense of desperation. The Zhao army, underestimating Han Xin, laughed at his seemingly foolish strategy. As dawn broke, Han Xin raised his flag and sounded the battle drums, drawing the Zhao forces out of their camp.
Feigning defeat, Han Xin discarded his military flags and retreated toward the river. Believing they had the advantage, the Zhao army rushed to pursue him, leaving their camp vulnerable. Meanwhile, the hidden cavalry seized the empty Zhao camp, replacing their flags with Han’s, creating chaos among the Zhao troops.
When the Zhao soldiers returned to find their camp occupied and their leaders presumed captured, panic ensued. Han Xin took advantage of the confusion, launching a surprise counterattack that led to a devastating victory over the Zhao forces.
This story of desperation and decisive action, symbolized by “背水一战,” illustrates the concept of fighting without the option of retreat, forcing soldiers to fight with all their might for victory.
