Chinese Idiom: 披荆斩棘 (Pi Jing Zhan Ji)
English Translation: Clearing away thorns and brambles
pīn yīn: pī jīng zhǎn jí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to overcoming numerous difficulties and obstacles on the path to progress; it also describes the hardships of starting a business.
Historical Source: Book of the Later Han (《后汉书》), specifically in the biography of Feng Yi.
Idiom Story:
Feng Yi, courtesy name Gongsun, was a renowned military general during the early Eastern Han Dynasty and hailed from Fucheng in the Yingchuan region (now near Baofeng, Henan). He served under Liu Xiu, who later became Emperor Guangwu of Han, and was a key contributor to the establishment of the Eastern Han regime.
Feng Yi participated in various military campaigns, helping to eliminate the warlord Wang Lang’s separatist forces and suppressing peasant uprisings led by the likes of Tiejing. Known for his humility and lack of personal ambition, Feng Yi earned great respect from his peers. After victories, he often withdrew quietly to avoid the spotlight during discussions of military merit, earning him the nickname “General of the Great Tree.”
Throughout the tumultuous battles, Feng Yi remained loyal to Liu Xiu, assisting him in gaining power. On one occasion, when they were cold and hungry at Wuweiting in Raoyang, Feng Yi managed to prepare bean porridge for the troops. Another time, during a heavy rain in Nanggong County, he cooked wheat rice for Liu Xiu and helped keep him warm by making a fire. These acts of loyalty left a lasting impression on Liu Xiu.
In 25 CE, after Liu Xiu ascended to the throne, he appointed Feng Yi as the Marquis of Yangxia and the General of the Western Expedition. Feng Yi later garrisoned at Chang’an, where the people affectionately called him “King of Xianyang.” However, some officials reported concerns about his growing power. Understanding the potential implications, Feng Yi submitted a petition affirming his loyalty to Liu Xiu, who reassured him of their strong bond, stating, “We share a righteous bond as ruler and subject, akin to that of father and son. There’s no need for fear.”
In 30 CE, when Feng Yi traveled from Chang’an to Luoyang to meet Liu Xiu, the emperor pointed to him in the presence of the officials, saying, “He was my chief clerk when I raised my army and has helped me clear the thorns to establish my rule in Guanzhong.” This acknowledgment of Feng Yi’s contributions highlighted his significant role in overcoming obstacles to secure the Han dynasty.
Over time, the phrase “披荆棘” (clearing the thorns) evolved into the idiom “披荆斩棘” (clearing the path by cutting through thorns), symbolizing the relentless struggle and perseverance needed to overcome challenges on the journey toward success.
