📖 Meaning
An isolated army advances deep into enemy territory without reinforcement. It describes a force acting alone in a dangerous position far from support. Metaphorically, it refers to anyone undertaking a risky venture without backup.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom comes from the Book of Zhou (周书·贺若敦传). During the Northern and Southern dynasties period, Northern Zhou general He Ruodun led his troops deep into enemy territory held by the Chen dynasty. The opposing commander Hou Zhen observed that He Ruodun's force was isolated and far from any reinforcements, and devised a plan to destroy them. The phrase was later used to describe troops advancing alone into hostile regions.
💡 Example Usage
敌军孤军深入我方腹地，最终陷入了重重包围之中。
The enemy force advanced deep into our heartland alone and ultimately found itself encircled.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 孤军深入
- Pinyin: gū jūn shēn rù
- Literal Translation: lone, army, deep, enter
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4