Chinese Idiom: 退避三舍 (Tui Bi San She)
English Translation: Withdraw Three Stages
pīn yīn: tuì bì sān shè
Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the practice of keeping one’s promises; it is sometimes used to indicate a deliberate avoidance of confrontation with someone. “退” (tuì) means to retreat; “舍” (shè) refers to a distance of about thirty li used in military terms during the Spring and Autumn period.
Historical Source: Zuo Tradition (左传) – Year Twenty-Three of Duke Xi
Idiom Story:
In 637 BC, the son of the Duke of Jin, Chong’er, had been exiled in the state of Qi for seven years. He eventually sought refuge in the powerful state of Chu. King Cheng of Chu warmly welcomed Chong’er with lavish banquets, treating him like an esteemed guest.
Chong’er felt both grateful and respectful towards King Cheng, who believed that the current Duke of Jin, Duke Huai, had lost the people’s support and would eventually be overthrown. King Cheng, seeing Chong’er as a potential future leader of Jin, sought to pressure him into promising future assistance while he was still in a difficult position. After several rounds of drinking, King Cheng asked Chong’er, “If you return to Jin, how will you repay me?”
Understanding the implication behind the king’s question, Chong’er realized that Chu was pushing northward, aiming for dominance in the Central Plains. The king was not seeking ordinary treasures, but rather Jin’s support for Chu’s ambitions. To respond delicately, Chong’er replied, “Your Majesty, you possess many beautiful women and precious goods; the rare animals and materials are also specialties of your country. Jin has some of these, but they are merely leftovers from Chu. What could I possibly offer you in return?”
King Cheng insisted, “Even so, you must have something to repay me!” After a moment’s thought, Chong’er stated solemnly, “If with your power I can return and govern Jin, I hope for a friendly relationship between our two states. However, if we happen to meet in battle on the field, I would retreat three stages (about ninety li) as a token of gratitude for your kindness. If I still cannot earn your understanding, I would take up arms and fight you.”
Though his words were gentle, Chong’er firmly communicated his unwillingness to concede anything. The chief minister of Chu was furious upon hearing this and secretly urged the king to kill Chong’er to eliminate a future threat. However, King Cheng refused, recognizing Chong’er’s lofty ambitions and self-discipline, as well as the capable advisors around him who could help revive Jin. Concerned that mishandling the situation could backfire, King Cheng instead sent Chong’er to the state of Qin.
In the following year, with the help of Duke Mu of Qin, Chong’er returned to Jin, reclaimed the throne, and became Duke Wen of Jin. In 632 BC, the conflict between Jin and Chu escalated into military action. Duke Wen of Jin, remaining true to his word, ordered a withdrawal of three stages to avoid confrontation. Despite this, the Chu army relentlessly pursued them, leading to a decisive battle at Chengpu (in present-day Shandong). The Jin army achieved a significant victory over the Chu forces.
This story illustrates the importance of keeping one’s promises and the strategic decisions made in the face of potential conflict. The idiom “退避三舍” has since come to symbolize wise retreat and the avoidance of unnecessary confrontation.
