📖 Meaning
A phrase describing a situation in which the opposing side has greater numbers or strength while one's own side is smaller and weaker. It is most often used in military, competitive, or strategic contexts to convey being at a numerical disadvantage.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom comes from the Han Feizi, chapter 'Nan Yi' (难一), composed by the Legalist philosopher Han Fei during the late Warring States period. It records a conversation between Duke Wen of Jin (晋文公) and his advisor Jiu Fan (舅犯) on the eve of battle against the state of Chu in the Spring and Autumn period. The Duke asks, 'I am about to fight the Chu army—they are many and we are few; what should I do?' The dialogue illustrates strategic deliberation when facing an outnumbering foe.
💡 Example Usage
面对彼众我寡的局面，将军依然沉着应战。
Facing a situation where the enemy outnumbered his own troops, the general nonetheless fought back with calm composure.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 彼众我寡
- Pinyin: bǐ zhòng wǒ guǎ
- Literal Translation: they numerous, we few
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4