📖 Meaning
To apply kindness and severity in equal measure. It describes a leadership or governance approach where both gentle methods (rewards, favors) and forceful measures (punishments, discipline) are used simultaneously to effectively manage people.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase traces back to the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' (三国志), in the biography of Zhou Fang (周鲂) of the Wu kingdom. Zhou Fang served as governor of a commandery for thirteen years, rewarding the good and punishing the wicked, applying both grace and authority in parallel. The expression later became a widely cited maxim for governance and leadership throughout Chinese history.
💡 Example Usage
他管理公司恩威并重，既奖励优秀员工，也严惩违规行为。
He managed the company by balancing kindness with authority, rewarding outstanding employees while severely punishing violations.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 恩威并重
- Pinyin: ēn wēi bìng zhòng
- Literal Translation: grace, authority, together, weight
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4