Chinese Idiom: 侧目而视 (Ce Mu Er Shi)
English Translation: Look with a sideways glance
pīn yīn: cè mù ér shì
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a demeanor of awe or respect; it can also convey a sense of anger.
Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (《战国策·秦策一》).
Idiom Story:
During the Warring States period, Su Qin, a well-known strategist from Luoyang, initially proposed a strategy called “lianheng” (联横) to King Huiwen of Qin. This strategy aimed to unite the Qin state with the other six states—Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Han—to dismantle their alliances and defeat them one by one. Despite Su Qin’s efforts, he submitted nearly ten memorials to King Huiwen, but his proposals were rejected.
Eventually, Su Qin found himself in a dire situation. His black marten fur coat was tattered, and he had exhausted his hundred taels of gold. Lacking funds and resources, he decided to return home. However, when he arrived, his family looked down on him. His wife ignored him while weaving, his sister-in-law refused to cook for him, and even his parents did not greet him. Overcome with shame and regret, Su Qin sighed deeply and reflected, “My wife does not see me as her husband; my sister-in-law does not regard me as her brother-in-law; my parents do not treat me as their son. This is all my own fault!”
Determined to change his fate, Su Qin resolved to study diligently. That night, he reviewed his collection of books and discovered “Tai Gong Yin Fu,” a military treatise written by Jiang Ziya. He found it invaluable and began to study it meticulously, summarizing key points and engaging in discussions. To stay awake at night, he would prick his thigh with a needle, allowing the blood to flow until it reached his feet. After a year of relentless study, Su Qin felt confident in his persuasive abilities.
He then traveled to the State of Zhao, advocating for a strategy known as “hezhong” (合纵), which involved forming alliances among the six states to collectively confront the increasingly powerful Qin state. King Zhao appreciated this strategy and appointed him as a marquis, granting him honors and rewards including military vehicles, silks, and gold.
When Su Qin passed through Luoyang after receiving his titles, his family traveled over thirty miles to welcome him. This time, his wife stood respectfully to the side, casting a sideways glance at him and listening intently, signifying her awe and respect. His sister-in-law even prostrated herself on the ground, bowing to him multiple times and asking for his forgiveness.
The transformation in Su Qin’s family demeanor encapsulated the essence of the idiom “侧目而视,” illustrating the respect and fear that can accompany recognition of someone’s newfound power and status.
