Chinese Idiom: 所向无敌 (Suo Xiang Wu Di)
English Translation: Invincible Everywhere
pīn yīn: suǒ xiàng wú dí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes immense power and strength, indicating that there is no one who can stand against it.
Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), specifically in the biography of Zhou Yu.
Idiom Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao was the most powerful warlord in northern China. His forces posed a significant threat to Sun Quan of Eastern Wu, to the extent that he demanded Sun Quan send his son as a hostage. In the face of this intimidation, Zhou Yu, the chief strategist and commander for Sun Quan, advised against submission to Cao Cao’s demands.
Zhou Yu urged Sun Quan to recognize the advantages of their position: “We have elite troops and ample provisions; our lands are rich, our transportation is convenient, and our people are at peace. If we fully utilize these favorable conditions and work hard, we will be invincible everywhere we go. We can overcome any difficulties. Why should we allow ourselves to be subservient to Cao Cao, becoming nothing more than his tail?”
Zhou Yu’s confident declaration of “所向无敌” resonated deeply with Sun Quan and served as a rallying cry for their troops. It emphasized that with unity, resources, and determination, they could stand firm against the might of Cao Cao and not be intimidated. This resolve ultimately contributed to the legendary battles of the Three Kingdoms, where the forces of Eastern Wu and their allies successfully resisted Cao Cao’s advances.
The phrase has since come to symbolize any formidable force that cannot be defeated, conveying the spirit of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
