📖 Meaning
To determine victory from a thousand miles away. It describes a commander or strategist of great talent and bold vision who can direct distant military operations with calm and confidence. The idiom praises exceptional leadership and strategic foresight.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记), in the biography of the Marquis of Liu (留侯世家), referring to the Han dynasty strategist Zhang Liang (张良, courtesy name Zifang). Emperor Liu Bang praised Zhang Liang saying, 'Planning strategies within the command tent, he determined victory a thousand miles away—this was Zifang's achievement.' Zhang Liang's brilliant counsel helped Liu Bang establish the Han dynasty without personally taking the battlefield.
💡 Example Usage
将军运筹帷幄之中，决胜千里之外，令敌军闻风丧胆。
The general, devising strategies within his command tent, determined victory a thousand miles away and struck terror into the enemy.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 决胜千里
- Pinyin: jué shèng qiān lǐ
- Literal Translation: determine victory, thousand, miles
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4