Chinese Idiom: 因人成事 (Yin Ren Cheng Shi)
English Translation: Achieving success by relying on others
pīn yīn: yīn rén chéng shì
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to rely on others to successfully accomplish a task. “因” (yīn) signifies dependence, while “成事” (chéng shì) means to complete or accomplish something.
Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记 · 平原君虞卿列传》)
Idiom Story:
In 259 BCE, during the Warring States period, the Qin general Bai Qi besieged the capital of Zhao State, Handan. A man named Mao Sui volunteered to help negotiate an alliance against Qin, and the lord of Pingyuan, along with Mao Sui and nineteen other retainers, traveled to the state of Chu to seek support.
Initially, the nineteen retainers looked down upon Mao Sui, underestimating his abilities. During negotiations with King Kaolie of Chu, however, the king displayed arrogance and disdain for Zhao, resulting in a stalemate. The retainers were unable to propose any effective solutions to persuade the Chu king to provide military assistance.
Feeling the pressure, the retainers urged Mao Sui to take the lead. With determination, Mao Sui drew his sword and boldly entered the palace, directly addressing and threatening the Chu king. His assertiveness and compelling arguments eventually persuaded the king to agree to send troops to aid Zhao.
After the agreement was reached, a blood oath was to be made to solidify the alliance. Mao Sui called the other nineteen retainers to participate in the ritual, saying, “You are the ones who rely on others to succeed.” This statement implied that they were ineffective on their own and could only achieve success through the efforts of others.
This story led to the formation of the idiom “因人成事,” highlighting the idea that success often depends on collaboration and the contributions of others.
