Chinese Idiom: 不遗余力 (Bu Yi Yu Li)
English Translations: Spare No Effort
pīn yīn: bù yí yú lì
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to exert one’s utmost effort, leaving no strength or resources unused in the process.
Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (《战国策 · 赵策三》)
Idiom Story:
In 260 BC, during the Warring States period, King Zhao of the State of Zhao faced a severe threat from the Qin State, led by the general Bai Qi. The Qin army launched a massive attack on Zhao and decisively defeated Zhao’s forces at the Battle of Changping, annihilating over 400,000 troops. Despite this victory, the Qin army suffered substantial losses and was exhausted.
Two years later, the Qin army besieged the Zhao capital of Handan for over a year. Only the combined efforts of the Wei and Chu states managed to lift the siege. After this setback, the Qin State sent envoys to Zhao, demanding that Zhao surrender six cities as a condition for peace. King Zhao was uncertain about whether to comply.
At this point, a man named Lou Huan, who had come from Qin to Zhao, was consulted by King Zhao about what to do. Lou Huan was hesitant to give a direct answer, saying it was beyond his knowledge. However, he suggested that if Zhao did not cede the cities, Qin might see it as a refusal to negotiate. Conversely, if Zhao did give in, it might appear as if Lou Huan favored Qin. Lou Huan implied that conceding the cities might be the best course.
Zhao’s minister, Yu Qing, heard of this and questioned King Zhao’s decision. He argued that if the Qin State had already exhausted its strength in attacking Zhao, it would not make sense for Zhao to assist Qin by giving up the cities, which would essentially help Qin continue its aggressive stance.
King Zhao agreed with Yu Qing’s assessment and decided against ceding the cities. He realized that the Qin army had indeed used all its available resources and energy in the campaign, and thus, there was no need to appease them further.
From this historical context, the idiom “不遗余力” (spare no effort) emerged, reflecting the notion of using all available strength and resources to achieve a goal.
