📖 Meaning
Describes a situation where two rival states or factions possess roughly equal territory and comparable military strength. Such a balance of power makes it difficult for either side to achieve a decisive victory over the other, often leading to prolonged and indecisive warfare.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing-dynasty scholar Zhang Binglin's essay 'Fengjian Kao' (Examination on the Feudal System). In it, Zhang discussed why Kings Wen and Wu of the Zhou dynasty could establish a royal dynasty, while Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period could only attain the status of hegemon. He argued that the Zhou military was well-equipped, making territorial annexation inherently difficult. When competing states have similar lands and matched forces, he concluded, they inevitably engage in endless warfare against one another.
💡 Example Usage
战国时期诸侯地丑力敌，谁也无法吞并对方。
During the Warring States period, the feudal lords had comparable territories and equal strength, so none could annex the others.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 地丑力敌
- Pinyin: dì chǒu lì dí
- Literal Translation: land, similar, strength, comparable
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4