📖 Meaning
Literally referring to fighting at close quarters with short weapons such as swords and daggers. It is used metaphorically to describe engaging in direct, intense, face-to-face confrontation or struggle with an opponent. The idiom emphasizes the closeness and ferocity of the contest.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' (三国志), in the biography of Dian Wei (典韦), a renowned warrior serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Dian Wei was known for his extraordinary strength and loyalty. In one fierce battle, he sustained dozens of wounds yet continued fighting at close quarters with short weapons, fending off enemies who rushed forward to grapple with him. His fearless close combat became the basis for this idiom.
💡 Example Usage
两军在狭窄的山谷中短兵接战，伤亡惨重。
The two armies engaged in close-quarters combat in the narrow valley, suffering heavy casualties.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 短兵接战
- Pinyin: duǎn bīng jiē zhàn
- Literal Translation: short, weapons, engage, battle
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4