Chinese Idiom: 以强凌弱 (Yi Qiang Ling Ruo)
English Translation: Bully the Weak by Relying on Strength
pīn yīn: yǐ qiáng líng ruò
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of using one’s power or strength to oppress or mistreat those who are weaker or less powerful.
Historical Source: Zhuangzi (《庄子·盗跖》)
Idiom Story
Dao Zhi (盗跖) was a notorious leader of a slave revolt during the late Spring and Autumn period and early Warring States period. Known for his rebellious activities, Dao Zhi and his band of 9,000 followers terrorized the region, plundering and using brute force to intimidate both small and large states. As a result, major states fortified their cities, while smaller states shut their gates in self-defense, leaving the common people in distress.
Dao Zhi’s older brother, Liu Xia Ji (柳下季), was a friend of Confucius. One day, Confucius remarked to Liu Xia Ji, “A father should be able to instruct his son, and an elder brother should educate his younger siblings. If you, a respected scholar, cannot correct your brother’s behavior, it is truly embarrassing. I wish to speak to him on your behalf.”
Liu Xia Ji hesitated, explaining, “If my brother refuses to heed the guidance of his elder, even someone as eloquent as you might be powerless to change him. Dao Zhi’s nature is impulsive and unpredictable, prone to anger and verbal abuse. I advise you not to go.”
Confucius, undeterred, decided to meet Dao Zhi himself. Accompanied by his disciples Yan Hui (颜回) and Zi Gong (子贡), he went to see Dao Zhi. Upon learning that Confucius was coming, Dao Zhi became furious and instructed his messenger to tell Confucius: “This man is Kong Qiu of Lu. He lives comfortably without farming or weaving, yet pretends to be virtuous to gain wealth and power. He should leave.”
Despite the warning, Confucius insisted on an audience. Dao Zhi eventually agreed to see him. Confucius bowed and greeted Dao Zhi, who glared at him and declared, “Kong Qiu, those who please me will live, while those who displease me will die.”
Confucius replied, “General, you possess great physical strength and wisdom. You have the ability to be a ruler. Yet, you are known as a bandit. I am ashamed for you. If you would listen to my advice, I could help you become respected as a sovereign by the states around you.”
Dao Zhi responded, “Since the time of the Yellow Emperor, the world has been in constant conflict and bloodshed. After Yao and Shun, and the downfall of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the strong have always oppressed the weak. The strong have invaded the weak. This is the nature of power.”
Hearing Dao Zhi’s words, Confucius could only leave in silence, recognizing the futility of his efforts in the face of such a mindset.
This story illustrates the idiom’s essence, showing how the powerful often oppress and bully the weak, exploiting their strength to dominate and control.
