📖 Meaning
Build high defensive walls and dig deep trenches. It refers to constructing strong defensive fortifications in a military context. The idiom emphasizes thorough preparation for defense against an attacking enemy.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'The Art of War' (孙子兵法) by Sun Tzu (Sun Wu), a military strategist of the Spring and Autumn period (approximately 5th century BC). In the chapter on 'Emptiness and Fullness' (虚实), Sun Tzu states that even if the enemy has built high ramparts and deep trenches, they can still be forced to engage in battle by attacking a position they must defend. The passage illustrates the principle of controlling the enemy's movements through strategic pressure.
💡 Example Usage
面对强敌进攻，将军下令高垒深沟，坚守不出。
Facing the enemy's fierce assault, the general ordered high ramparts and deep trenches, holding firm without sending troops out.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 高垒深沟
- Pinyin: gāo lěi shēn gōu
- Literal Translation: high, rampart, deep, trench
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4