Chinese Idiom: 狼狈为奸 (Lang Bei Wei Jian)
English Translation: Colluding like a wolf and a jackal
pīn yīn: láng bèi wéi jiān
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the act of colluding or conspiring with others to engage in dishonest or harmful activities. “狼狈” (láng bèi) refers to a state of being in a difficult or embarrassing situation, while “为奸” (wéi jiān) means to work together for evil purposes.
Historical Source: Xiyang Zaji (《西阳杂姐》)
Idiom Story:
The idiom “狼狈为奸” originates from the natural behavior of wolves and jackals, two animals that often work together in the wild. In folklore, it is said that wolves have longer front legs, while jackals have longer back legs. When hunting, they would combine their strengths to effectively steal livestock from human farms.
According to the tales, the jackal would mount on the wolf’s back, using its long rear legs to gain elevation, while the wolf would use its own long front legs to help navigate through obstacles. This cooperative behavior allowed them to hunt swiftly and escape with their spoils, illustrating their cunning and deceitful nature.
As this story circulated, the phrase “狼狈为奸” was coined to describe any partnership that involved scheming or collusion for dishonest gain. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of such alliances, reminding us that seemingly cooperative relationships can sometimes be rooted in treachery and malice.
The idiom is often used in contexts where individuals or groups are found conspiring together for unethical purposes, emphasizing the negative consequences of such partnerships.
