📖 Meaning
A metaphor for being forced to rebel or rise up in resistance when left with no other choice. It now also describes being driven to take a certain action under compulsion. The idiom originates from the classic novel where Lin Chong was driven to join the outlaw stronghold on Mount Liang.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom comes from the Ming dynasty novel 'Water Margin' (水浒全传) by Shi Nai'an, specifically the chapter describing how Lin Chong, a military instructor, was repeatedly framed and persecuted by corrupt officials. Driven to desperation on a snowy night, Lin Chong had no choice but to flee to Mount Liang (梁山) and join the bandit stronghold. His journey from a loyal official to an outlaw became the archetype of being forced into rebellion.
💡 Example Usage
许多农民是被苛捐杂税逼上梁山的。
Many peasants were driven to rebellion by crushing taxes and levies.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 逼上梁山
- Pinyin: bī shàng liáng shān
- Literal Translation: forced, onto, Liang, Mountain
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4