Chinese Idiom: 虎狼之国 (Hu Lang Zhi Guo)
English Translation: A country of tigers and wolves
pīn yīn: hǔ láng zhī guó
Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to a country that is as ferocious as tigers and wolves, this idiom now often denotes a powerful nation that is untrustworthy and aggressive in its dealings.
Historical Source: Shiji · Biographies of Qu Yuan and Jia Yi (《史记·屈原贾生列传》).
Idiom Story:
The idiom “虎狼之国” comes from the historical narrative written by Sima Qian about Qu Yuan and Jia Yi in Shiji. Qu Yuan, a prominent poet and statesman from the late Warring States period in the state of Chu, is depicted as a tragic figure whose political ideals and reforms ultimately led to his downfall.
During Qu Yuan’s time, the state of Chu was experiencing internal strife and external threats, particularly from the powerful state of Qin. Qu Yuan advocated for strengthening the state through laws and forming alliances with Qi to resist the Qin. However, he faced opposition from conservative factions within the court, which favored appeasement with Qin.
As political machinations unfolded, Qu Yuan became increasingly isolated. His warnings about the treachery of Qin were ignored, and he famously referred to Qin as “虎狼之国,” indicating that it was a predatory state that could not be trusted. His concerns were validated when the Chu king was deceived by Qin’s ambassador, Zhang Yi, leading to disastrous military defeats for Chu.
Despite Qu Yuan’s warnings and efforts, the king ultimately pursued a disastrous alliance with Qin, which culminated in his capture and death. Qu Yuan’s story reflects the dangers of misjudging trust in powerful nations and serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of internal betrayal and external aggression.
Thus, “虎狼之国” embodies the essence of untrustworthy and aggressive powers, drawing on the historical context of Qu Yuan’s life and the political landscape of his time.
