Chinese Idiom: 卖剑买牛 (Mai Jian Mai Niu)
English Translation: Sell the sword and buy an ox
pīn yīn: mài jiàn mǎi niú
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of transitioning from military activities to agricultural work, symbolizing a shift from warfare to peaceful development.
Historical Source: Book of Han (《汉书 · 龚遂传》).
Idiom Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, a governor named Gong Sui was appointed as the prefect of Bohai Commandery, an area plagued by frequent famine and rampant crime. Upon taking office, Gong Sui implemented policies aimed at revitalizing agriculture and improving the lives of the people.
He encouraged the populace to sell their swords and weapons, using the proceeds to buy farming oxen. His approach was straightforward: anyone who possessed swords should sell them to acquire cattle for plowing. Additionally, he recognized and rewarded those who actively engaged in farming and contributed to agricultural production.
As a result of these initiatives, the commandery experienced a significant transformation. The focus on agriculture led to a flourishing rural economy and a more stable society, demonstrating the effectiveness of peaceful agricultural practices over military pursuits.
Thus, the idiom “卖剑买牛” has come to symbolize the idea of abandoning warfare for agriculture, emphasizing the benefits of peace and productive labor.
