Chinese Idiom: 同心协力 (Tong Xin Xie Li)
English Translation: Unite in thought and work together
pīn yīn: tóng xīn xié lì
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to work together with a unified purpose and combined effort. It emphasizes collective effort and cooperation to achieve a common goal.
Historical Source: 《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by Luo Guanzhong.
Idiom Story:
《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) is a renowned historical novel set in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period (184–280 AD). The novel, spanning over a century, narrates the turbulent history of the Three Kingdoms—Wei, Shu, and Wu—beginning with the Yellow Turban Rebellion and ending with the fall of Wu.
In the first chapter of the novel, the leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Zhang Jiao, is advancing towards Youzhou, causing panic among the local officials. Liu Yan, the governor of the region, hurriedly issues a recruitment notice for soldiers. Liu Bei, a distant relative of the Han royal family, reads the notice and sighs deeply. Zhang Fei, who is selling wine and slaughtering pigs, hears Liu Bei’s sigh and asks him why he is not contributing to the state’s efforts.
After their conversation, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei meet Guan Yu, who is fleeing due to a crime he committed. The three men, each with their own ambitions, discover that they share similar ideals and aspirations. They decide to form a brotherhood, vowing to support each other and fight for their common cause.
In the Peach Garden of Zhang Fei’s estate, they take an oath to become sworn brothers, stating: “Though Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are of different surnames, we are united as brothers. We pledge to work together with one heart and effort to help the distressed and support the weak. We will serve our country and bring peace to the people. We do not wish to be born on the same day or month, but we wish to die on the same day and month. May Heaven and Earth witness our commitment.”
This vow of unity and cooperative effort is the origin of the idiom “同心协力” (to unite in thought and work together). It represents the strength and effectiveness of working in harmony towards shared goals.
