Chinese Idiom: 困兽犹斗 (Kun Shou You Dou)
English Translation: A Cornered Beast Will Still Fight
pīn yīn: kùn shòu yóu dòu
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically signifies that even a desperate or cornered individual or group, faced with imminent defeat or danger, will resist and fight back vigorously. It emphasizes the instinctual will to survive and the tenacity displayed in the face of dire circumstances.
Historical Source: Zuo Tradition (《左传》), specifically from the record of events during the reign of Duke Xuan of Jin.
Idiom Story:
The story unfolds in 597 BC during a conflict between the states of Jin and Chu over the territory of Zheng. The two armies clashed near Bi (present-day northern Xinyang in Henan Province), and the Jin army suffered a significant defeat. After the battle, the Jin commander, Xun Linfu, returned to his home state with his remaining troops, fully expecting punishment for the loss, as was customary at the time: military leaders faced execution after a defeat.
Xun Linfu presented himself before Duke Jing of Jin, seeking to be put to death. Duke Jing was initially inclined to comply, but one of his ministers, Shi Zhenzi, intervened. He reminded the Duke of a past incident at the Battle of Chengpu, where the Jin army had previously suffered a setback. Despite their victory, Duke Wen of Jin had remained anxious because the Chu commander, Zi Yu, was still alive. Shi Zhenzi recounted Duke Wen’s concern, saying:
“When a beast is cornered, it will still fight. How much more should we worry about the prime minister of a nation?”
Shi Zhenzi pointed out that killing Xun Linfu would only serve to empower Chu, akin to granting them another victory. He argued that the loyalty and dedication of Xun Linfu to the state should not be dismissed, especially when losses in battle are often temporary setbacks, much like a solar eclipse that does not permanently diminish the sun’s brightness.
Ultimately, Duke Jing heeded Shi Zhenzi’s wise counsel and spared Xun Linfu’s life, allowing him to retain his position. This story illustrated the point that, just as a cornered beast fights fiercely for survival, individuals in dire straits, particularly those with loyalty and commitment to their cause, will resist until the end.
Thus, “困兽犹斗” became a powerful idiom, symbolizing the resilience and struggle against overwhelming odds, highlighting the instinctual response to fight back even when facing certain defeat.
