Chinese Idiom: 举棋不定 (Ju Qi Bu Ding)
English Translation: Unable to Decide on a Move in Chess
pīn yīn: jǔ qí bù dìng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who is hesitant and indecisive in their actions or decisions. It describes a lack of determination or resolution when dealing with matters.
Historical Source: 左传 · 襄公二十五 (Zuo Zhuan, Spring and Autumn Annals)
Idiom Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Sun Wenzi (styled Linfu) and Ning Zhi were two key ministers in the State of Wei under Duke Xian of Wei. Duke Xian was arrogant, rude, and tyrannical, offending his mother, Lady Ding, and mistreating his close advisors, including Sun Wenzi and Ning Zhi. In response to Duke Xian’s abuses, Sun Wenzi and Ning Zhi conspired to expel him from the state and installed Duke Shang of Wei as the new ruler. Consequently, Duke Xian fled to the State of Qi.
Years later, Ning Zhi’s son, Ning Xi, became the left minister of Wei. Meanwhile, Duke Xian, with the support of Qi, settled in Yiyi and sought to regain power. He sent envoys to Wei, proposing that Ning Xi support his return to the throne, offering Ning Xi substantial power as a reward. Although Ning Xi was hesitant, he ultimately agreed to the plan.
Upon hearing this, Sun Wenzi expressed his concern, stating, “The Book of Songs says, ‘If I am not even respected myself, how can I care for my descendants?’ Ning Xi shows no regard for his lineage. How can he agree to Duke Xian’s proposal? A gentleman must consider the long-term consequences. The Book of Songs also says that one must be diligent and thorough from start to finish, maintaining a cautious attitude to avoid falling into traps. It further emphasizes that one should serve the ruler with undivided attention day and night.”
Sun Wenzi criticized Ning Xi’s approach to the serious matter of restoring the duke’s power, comparing it to a chess player who holds a piece but does not know where to place it. He lamented, “How can he escape disaster when he cannot even make a firm decision on such a significant issue? If the noble family of nine generations is wiped out in one go, it is truly tragic!”
Indeed, the following year, after returning to power, Duke Xian betrayed and killed Ning Xi and his entire family.
This story illustrates the dangers of indecision and the importance of careful consideration when making significant choices, emphasizing that hesitation can lead to dire consequences.
