Chinese Idiom: 解衣推食 (Jie Yi Tui Shi)
English Translation: Doffing Clothes and Pushing Food
pīn yīn: jiě yī tuī shí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of selflessly sharing one’s clothing and food with others, symbolizing deep care and affection for them.
Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·淮阴侯列传》).
Idiom Story:
The story revolves around Han Xin, a prominent general in Chinese history. After defeating the general Sima Long of Xiang Yu and stabilizing the territory of Qi, Han Xin sent a messenger to Liu Bang, the King of Han, who was besieged in Xingyang (now located northeast of present-day Xingyang, Henan Province). Han Xin requested to be appointed as the acting King of Qi.
Liu Bang, advised by Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, formally appointed Han Xin as the King of Qi to mobilize his troops against the Chu army. The loss of Sima Long made Xiang Yu fearful, prompting him to send Wu She to persuade Han Xin to betray Liu Bang and ally with Chu to divide the world among three kings.
Wu She warned Han Xin not to trust Liu Bang, recounting how Liu Bang had been spared by Xiang Yu out of pity on several occasions and would always betray him once he was out of danger. He argued that Han Xin held the key to the outcome of the conflict and suggested that if Xiang Yu fell today, Liu Bang would soon target him next. Wu She encouraged Han Xin to consider breaking away from Liu Bang and establishing his own rule.
After reflecting on Wu She’s words, Han Xin compared Liu Bang with Xiang Yu and concluded that Xiang Yu was also incapable of nurturing talent. He respectfully declined Wu She’s offer, stating: “When I served Xiang Yu, my position was only that of a lowly officer; I held no power and was not listened to. But Liu Bang has appointed me as a general and granted me tens of thousands of troops. He has shared his clothing with me and given me food to eat, allowing me to speak freely and put forth my strategies. Therefore, I have achieved my current standing. He is deeply trusting of me, and to betray him would only lead to my downfall. Even if I were to die, I would not change my allegiance. Please convey my thanks to Xiang Yu on my behalf.”
The phrase “解衣衣我，推食食我” was later simplified and extended into the idiom “解衣推食,” representing the essence of selfless care and deep affection for others.
