Chinese Idiom: 七擒七纵 (Qi Qin Qi Zong)
English Translation: Seven Captures and Seven Releases
pīn yīn: qī qín qī zòng
Idiom Meaning: Refers to using strategies effectively to make the opponent fully submit and surrender willingly.
Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms · Shu Book · Biography of Zhuge Liang.
Idiom Story: In 225 AD, Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of Shu Han, led an expedition to consolidate the Shu Han’s southern front. During his campaign, Meng Huo, the leader of the local Yi tribe, gathered defeated troops to attack the Shu army. Meng Huo was a brave and resilient warrior, highly esteemed by his people and even admired by many Han Chinese.
Despite Meng Huo’s courage, his strategic skills were lacking. During their first encounter, he believed the retreat of the Shu troops indicated their defeat and pursued them aggressively, only to fall into a trap and be captured. Zhuge Liang, rather than executing him, released Meng Huo, hoping to win him over.
When Meng Huo was captured again, he remained defiant. Zhuge Liang, instead of forcing him to submit, invited him to inspect the Shu army’s camp. Meng Huo, seeing the camp was filled with elderly and weak soldiers, boasted that defeating them would be easy. He fortified the south bank of the Luxi River, preventing the Shu army from crossing. Zhuge Liang then cleverly crossed the river at an unguarded location, attacked Meng Huo’s supplies, and captured him once more. Meng Huo was again released, but he still did not yield.
Zhuge Liang’s repeated strategy of capturing and releasing Meng Huo aimed to demonstrate patience and fairness, hoping Meng Huo would eventually submit willingly. After several captures and releases, Meng Huo finally understood Zhuge Liang’s intentions. He admired Zhuge Liang’s strategies and magnanimity and agreed to align with the Shu Han, bringing his people under Shu’s control.
Meng Huo’s eventual submission was a testament to Zhuge Liang’s successful use of strategy and diplomacy, turning a fierce opponent into an ally. The idiom “Seven Captures and Seven Releases” symbolizes the use of tact and patience to ensure complete and genuine submission.
