Chinese Idiom: 举措失当 (Ju Cuo Shi Dang)
English Translation: Inappropriate Measures
pīn yīn: jǔ cuò shī dāng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to actions or measures that are not appropriate or suitable for a given situation. “举措” means actions or measures, while “失当” signifies being improper or unsuitable.
Historical Source: 史记 · 秦始皇本纪 (Records of the Grand Historian, Annals of Qin Shi Huang)
Idiom Story:
Idiom Story: In the twenty-sixth year of his reign (221 BC), Qin Shi Huang conquered the six states and unified the central plains of China. He divided the nation into thirty-six commanderies and standardized weights and measures. Following these achievements, he frequently embarked on tours across the empire for two primary purposes: to conduct rituals at famous mountains and rivers, and to enhance his prestige among the people and instill a sense of pressure among the aristocrats of the defeated states.
In 219 BC, during his expedition to Mount Tai for the grand ceremony of Fengshan, Qin Shi Huang also traveled south to Mount Langya (in present-day Jiaonan, Shandong). During his three-month stay there, he ordered the construction of Langya Terrace and inscribed a stone monument detailing his accomplishments. The inscriptions celebrated his achievements and highlighted significant policies of the Qin dynasty, such as the unification of script, the emphasis on agriculture over commerce, and the enforcement of strict legal codes.
The inscription included the phrase: “忧恤黔首，朝夕不懈。除疑定法，咸知所辟。方伯分职，诸治经易。举措必当，莫不如画。” This translates to: “Worried for the common people, diligently governing day and night without slackening. Resolving doubts and establishing laws, all understand what to follow. The regional officials share responsibilities, and all governance measures are straightforward. All measures are appropriate, and nothing is out of place.”
The essence of this statement reflects Qin Shi Huang’s attentiveness to the well-being of his subjects and his commitment to governance. However, in later interpretations, the phrase “举措必当” was adapted to “举措失当,” which signifies that actions or measures taken may not always be suitable or effective.
This transition in meaning serves as a cautionary tale about governance and leadership, reminding us that even well-intentioned measures can sometimes miss the mark, resulting in consequences that are not beneficial to the people they aim to serve.
