Chinese Idiom: 趾高气扬 (Zhi Gao Qi Yang)
English Translation: Walking with one’s head held high
pīn yīn: zhǐ gāo qì yáng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is arrogant and conceited, forgetting their true position due to their achievements. 趾高 (zhǐ gāo) means to walk with high steps, full of confidence; 气扬 (qì yáng) indicates a self-satisfied demeanor.
Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (左传) – “The Zuo Commentary on Spring and Autumn Annals”, Year 13 of Duke Huan.
Idiom Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a general from the State of Chu named Qu Xia (屈瑕), also known as Mo Ao. One year, the king of Chu sent him to attack the State of Jiao, where he achieved a great victory. This led Qu Xia to become overly proud and self-important, striding with his feet lifted high.
The following year, Qu Xia was again ordered to attack the State of Luo. Confident of another victory, he adopted the same arrogant attitude as during his previous campaign against Jiao. On the way to battle, a minister named Dou Bo remarked to Qu Xia’s charioteer, “Mo Ao is destined to fail; he walks with his feet raised high and lacks a firm heart.” This indicated that Qu Xia’s arrogance showed he was not approaching the battle with the seriousness it deserved.
Just as Dou Bo had predicted, Qu Xia underestimated the enemy and became complacent. He was eventually ambushed by the forces of Luo and Lu, resulting in a catastrophic defeat. Ultimately, he ended up hanging himself in despair after the crushing loss.
