Chinese Idiom: 仰人鼻息 (Yang Ren Bi Xi)
English Translation: Relying on the breath of others
pīn yīn: yǎng rén bí xī
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where one is entirely dependent on others for survival or support, unable to act independently. It implies a lack of self-sufficiency and the need to rely on others for decisions or sustenance.
Historical Source: “后汉书” (Book of the Later Han), specifically from the chapter on Yuan Shao.
Idiom Story:
During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the empire was fragmented and chaotic, with various warlords vying for power. One such warlord was Yuan Shao, who governed the region of Bohai. He was advised by his strategist Feng Ji to devise a plan to annex the territory controlled by Han Fu, the governor of Jizhou.
Feng Ji’s strategy involved a two-pronged approach:
- Deceptive Communication: Yuan Shao wrote a letter to Gongsun Zan, the governor of Beiping, encouraging him to mobilize his forces south to attack Jizhou.
- Manipulative Advice: He then sent advisors, including Xun Chen and Gao Gan, to persuade Han Fu that the situation was dire and that he should voluntarily cede Jizhou to Yuan Shao to ensure his safety and reputation.
The cunning plan succeeded, and the inept Han Fu agreed to Yuan Shao’s demands. However, Han Fu’s subordinates, such as Geng Wu and Min Chun, recognized Yuan Shao’s weaknesses and opposed the idea of surrendering. Geng Wu famously argued that Jizhou had a large population and resources, while Yuan Shao was merely a “guest” in the area, entirely reliant on Han Fu for support. He likened the situation to a baby dependent on its mother for nourishment: if the mother stops feeding, the baby would quickly perish.
Despite this sound reasoning, Han Fu ignored the warnings and ultimately succumbed to Yuan Shao’s manipulations.
The idiom “仰人鼻息” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of dependence on others. It highlights the vulnerability that comes from relying on external support and the potential for exploitation by those in positions of power. As such, it reminds individuals of the importance of self-reliance and the need to be cautious in trusting others.
