Chinese Idiom: 坐观成败 (Wu Feng Shi Yu)
English Translation: Sitting and watching the outcome of success or failure
pīn yīn: zuò guān chéng bài
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to passively observing the successes or failures of others, implying a sense of indifference or a lack of involvement in a situation.
Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记·田叔列传》)
Idiom Story:
During the late reign of Emperor Wu of Han, he favored the treacherous official Jiang Chong. Jiang manipulated the emperor’s paranoia about assassination plots against him by claiming that his illness was due to wooden effigies buried by officials and commoners who hated him. Consequently, Emperor Wu dispatched Jiang to investigate the matter.
Jiang Chong, known for his ruthlessness, took this opportunity to frame his political rivals, resulting in the execution of thousands of innocent people. The Crown Prince, Liu Ju, was particularly targeted as Jiang’s enemy. Jiang accused the Crown Prince of burying wooden effigies in his palace, intending to have him killed.
When Liu Ju could no longer tolerate the situation, he led troops against Jiang Chong, resulting in Jiang’s death. Jiang’s allies, however, deceived Emperor Wu into believing that the Crown Prince had rebelled. Trusting their words, the emperor ordered Chancellor Liu Quchang to capture Liu Ju.
As the Crown Prince fought back, he claimed he was acting to quell the treachery of the ministers. He sought support from Ren An, the commander in charge of guarding the capital. Although Ren accepted the Crown Prince’s orders, he hesitated to take action, fearing the consequences of choosing sides.
Later, upon learning of Ren An’s inaction, Emperor Wu returned to the capital despite his illness. Initially, he thought Ren was merely pretending to accept the orders without truly supporting Liu Ju. However, an official resentful of Ren reported that he had promised to aid the Crown Prince, leading Emperor Wu to perceive Ren’s dual loyalty.
Emperor Wu, reflecting on Ren’s behavior, declared, “Ren An is an old minister! He is cunning and sees the war unfolding yet chooses to sit and watch, waiting to support whichever side prevails. Such a man is untrustworthy!” Consequently, he ordered Ren An’s arrest and execution.
This story illustrates the dangers of passivity and indecision in critical situations, as well as the consequences of “sitting back and watching” without taking a stand. The idiom serves as a caution against complacency and the need to take action rather than remain a mere observer.
