Chinese Idiom: 首鼠两端 (Shou Shu Liang Duan)
English Translation: Hesitating like a rat at both ends
pīn yīn: shǒu shǔ liǎng duān
Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is indecisive, hesitant, and lacks a firm stance, afraid of offending either side.
Historical Source: Shiji · Biography of Guan Fu (《史记 ·灌夫传》)
Idiom Story:
During the reign of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, a general named Guan Fu played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion of seven states, including Wu and Chu. Both Guan Fu and his father, Guan Meng, served under the leadership of Dou Ying, a prominent figure at the time. In one battle, Guan Meng died in combat, while Guan Fu, despite being severely wounded, bravely fought on. His valor became well-known across the land, earning him the admiration of Dou Ying.
Dou Ying, a relative of Empress Dowager Dou (the mother of Emperor Jing), had significant influence during his time and was granted the title Marquis of Wei after helping quell the rebellion. However, Emperor Jing did not fully trust him, and after the rise of Emperor Wu, the Dou family’s power gradually declined, especially after Empress Dowager Dou passed away.
During this period, another influential figure rose to power—Tian Fen, the younger brother of Emperor Jing’s empress and uncle to Emperor Wu. Tian Fen became the Chancellor, wielding immense authority, and looked down on Dou Ying and other officials. His arrogance was unchecked, and even Emperor Wu found it difficult to control him. Many officials chose to align themselves with Tian Fen, leaving Dou Ying isolated.
At this time, Guan Fu, having served several terms as a local official, had been dismissed from his post and was residing in Chang’an. Both he and Dou Ying harbored grievances against Tian Fen, so they became close allies.
When Tian Fen remarried, he held a grand banquet, attended by nobles and officials. Dou Ying invited Guan Fu to accompany him to the banquet, but Guan Fu, despising Tian Fen, was reluctant. After much persuasion, Guan Fu agreed to go. At the banquet, it was customary for guests to toast each other, but when Guan Fu toasted Tian Fen, he refused to drink. Moreover, when Guan Fu tried to toast another guest, Guan Xian, the latter was too preoccupied whispering with another official to acknowledge the gesture. Furious, Guan Fu insulted Guan Xian, accusing him of being disrespectful and unworthy.
Tian Fen, witnessing this outburst, ordered Guan Fu to be arrested on the spot. Despite others urging him to apologize, Guan Fu refused and continued to speak disrespectfully. As a result, Tian Fen had him imprisoned and planned to execute his entire family. Dou Ying, feeling responsible for persuading Guan Fu to attend the banquet, tried to intervene by offering bribes and petitioning Emperor Wu to pardon Guan Fu, citing his past bravery in battle. However, Tian Fen accused Guan Fu of being a tyrant, oppressing the people, and plotting treason.
The dispute escalated, with both sides hurling accusations at each other. Unable to resolve the matter, Emperor Wu sought the advice of his ministers. One of them, Han Anguo, spoke hesitantly, agreeing with both sides, saying that Guan Fu had merits but also posed a threat. His indecisiveness failed to settle the argument, and the meeting ended without resolution.
As Tian Fen left the palace, he saw Han Anguo walking ahead and invited him to ride in his carriage. He scolded Han for not supporting him fully against Dou Ying, asking why he acted like a “rat, hesitating between two ends” (首鼠两端). This phrase has since been used to describe people who are indecisive, wavering between two sides without taking a firm stand.
