Chinese Idiom: 决一雌雄 (Jue Yi Ci Xiong)
English Translation: Determine the Male and Female
pīn yīn: jué yī cí xióng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a decisive competition to determine superiority or victory between two parties. It implies a confrontation or challenge to establish who is better or who will win.
Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·项羽本纪》) by Sima Qian.
Idiom Story:
The story behind this idiom dates back to 203 BC, during a prolonged standoff between the armies of Chu and Han. Both sides were unable to achieve victory, resulting in hardships for the young soldiers who were forced to march and fight, as well as for the elderly who struggled with transport.
At that time, the leaders Xiang Yu and Liu Bang faced each other near Guangwu Mountain (in present-day Henan Province). Xiang Yu stationed his troops in the eastern city, while Liu Bang’s army occupied the western city. They communicated across the Guangwu River.
Xiang Yu boldly declared to Liu Bang, “The turmoil in the world for years is simply due to the two of us. I wish to challenge you to determine our victor, so as not to let the common people suffer any longer.”
Liu Bang responded with a smile, “I would rather compete with you in wisdom than in strength.” He preferred a battle of wits rather than a physical confrontation.
Frustrated, Xiang Yu ordered his warriors to challenge Liu Bang. Liu Bang took the opportunity to list Xiang Yu’s broken promises and the various crimes he had committed. The more Xiang Yu listened, the angrier he became, demanding a battle once more. Liu Bang ignored him, and in a fit of rage, Xiang Yu shot a hidden crossbow at Liu Bang, wounding him. Liu Bang then retreated to Chenggao (present-day Henan Province) to recover.
This story led to the creation of the idiom “决一雌雄,” symbolizing the act of determining victory or defeat through a decisive confrontation.
