📖 Meaning
After climbing to a high place, remove the ladder behind you. It signifies that all retreat has been cut off, leaving no option but to advance. Used to describe a situation of no return or a firm resolve to see something through to the end.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'The Art of War' (《孙子·九地》) by Sun Tzu of the Spring and Autumn period. The text states that when a commander sets a time and place for battle with his troops, it is like climbing to a height and then removing the ladder — leaving the soldiers with no way back. It illustrates the military strategy of cutting off retreat to force determination and courage. The Tang dynasty writer Li Han later cited it to describe a commitment to a cause with no possibility of turning back.
💡 Example Usage
他登高去梯，誓要与敌人决一死战。
He burned his bridges behind him, vowing to fight the enemy to the death.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 登高去梯
- Pinyin: dēng gāo qù tī
- Literal Translation: climb high, remove ladder
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4