Chinese Idiom: 言过其实 (Yan Guo Qi Shi)
English Translation: Exaggerating the truth
pīn yīn: yán guò qí shí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to speech that is exaggerated and goes beyond the actual capabilities or circumstances. It can also imply that someone is making statements that are overly dramatic or excessive.
Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志·蜀书·马良传》).
Idiom Story:
During the tumultuous period of the Three Kingdoms, Sima Yi devised a plan to eliminate the rebel general Meng Da. Following orders from the Wei ruler Cao Rui, he led an army of 200,000 towards Qishan. Upon hearing the news, Zhuge Liang quickly convened a meeting in the camp at Qishan.
Zhuge Liang expressed concern that Sima Yi would first seize Jieting, a strategic point essential for supply lines. He then turned to his advisor, Ma Su, who eagerly volunteered for the mission. However, Zhuge Liang remembered Liu Bei’s warning about Ma Su’s tendency to exaggerate and was initially hesitant to trust him.
Ma Su, confident in his abilities, insisted, “I am well-versed in military strategy. How could I fail to defend a small place like Jieting? I will stake my family’s lives on my guarantee!” Convinced by Ma Su’s conviction, Zhuge Liang reluctantly allowed him to proceed, assigning him 25,000 troops and advising his cautious deputy, Wang Ping, to oversee the operation.
Despite Zhuge Liang’s concerns, Ma Su disregarded Wang Ping’s advice about the terrain, choosing to set up camp on a small mountain rather than at the more strategic crossroads. Wang Ping warned that such a position could be easily surrounded, but Ma Su was dismissive, citing military principles that favored high ground.
When Sima Yi’s forces arrived, he laughed upon seeing Ma Su’s poor choice of camp and remarked on Zhuge Liang’s poor judgment in appointing such a subpar commander. Sima Yi quickly executed a plan to cut off the water supply and surround the mountain.
As the situation deteriorated, Ma Su’s troops became increasingly demoralized. When the order to attack was given, no one dared descend from the mountain, leading to chaos. Eventually, with their water supply cut off and facing overwhelming odds, the troops were thrown into disarray.
After the loss of Jieting, Sima Yi advanced, putting Zhuge Liang in a precarious position and forcing him to employ a ruse known as the “Empty Fort Strategy.” In the aftermath, Zhuge Liang executed Ma Su for his failure and publicly acknowledged his mistake in judgment.
Thus, the phrase “言过其实” emerged, cautioning against exaggeration and overconfidence in one’s abilities, particularly in leadership and military strategy.
