Chinese Idiom: 众叛亲离 (Zhong Pan Qin Li)
English Translation: Abandoned by the masses and estranged from kin
pīn yīn: zhòng pàn qīn lí
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone faces opposition from the masses and is abandoned by close allies, leading to a state of extreme isolation.
Historical Source: 《左传·隐公四年》 (Zuo Zhuan, Commentary of Zuo).
Idiom Story:
In 719 BC, Zhou Yu (州吁), a prince of the State of Wei, killed his elder brother, Duke Huan of Wei, to usurp the throne. To divert the people’s anger over his treachery, he launched attacks against the neighboring State of Zheng.
Upon learning of these events, Duke Yin of Lu asked his minister, Zhong Zhong, whether Zhou Yu’s reign could last. Zhong Zhong replied, “He relies on his military strength, yet he has no support from the people, and he is cruel and unkind, making himself isolated. Once the masses oppose him and his trusted followers begin to leave, he will find it hard to achieve anything.”
Indeed, less than a year after his usurpation, Zhou Yu was killed by Shihua, an old minister of Wei, who allied with the State of Chen to overthrow him.
From this story, the idiom “众叛亲离” emerged, highlighting the inevitable downfall of those who rule through cruelty and oppression, leading to their isolation from both the populace and their inner circle.
