Chinese Idiom: 玩火自焚 (Wan Huo Zi Fen)
English Translation: Play with fire and end up burning oneself
pīn yīn: wán huǒ zì fén
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means engaging in harmful or malicious activities that ultimately lead to self-destruction, emphasizing that those who do evil will face the consequences of their actions.
Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (《左传》), specifically from the fourth year of Duke Yin.
Idiom Story:
This story takes place in the early Spring and Autumn period when the nobleman Zhou Yu of the State of Wei assassinated his elder brother, Duke Huan of Wei, to seize the throne for himself. After taking power, Zhou Yu ruled tyrannically, extorting wealth from the common people and forming alliances with other states like Song, Chen, and Cai to wage war against the State of Zheng. His intention was to establish his authority and distract the populace from rising against him.
Duke Yin of Lu learned of Zhou Yu’s fratricide and usurpation and sought advice from a minister named Zhong Zhong. Duke Yin asked, “Do you think Zhou Yu can successfully retain power? Will his reign last long?”
Zhong Zhong shook his head and replied, “Zhou Yu relies on military force to seize power and brings disaster upon the people. The populace will never support him. His cruelty drives away potential allies, and with public dissent and betrayal from his trusted followers, success is impossible.”
He then drew an analogy, saying, “Military action is like fire. If one uses force without restraint, it will inevitably lead to one’s own destruction. I predict failure awaits him.”
Indeed, it came to pass that soon after, with assistance from the State of Chen, the people of Wei overthrew Zhou Yu’s brutal rule and killed him.
This idiom serves as a cautionary reminder that those who engage in wrongdoing, thinking they can harm others without consequence, will ultimately face dire repercussions.
