📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a situation where one has few people and little strength on their side. It conveys being outnumbered and lacking support or allies. The phrase emphasizes both the scarcity of personnel and the weakness of one's position.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Peking opera 'Liehu Ji' (猎虎记), specifically the tenth scene. In the story, after a jailbreak is carried out, the characters discuss the possibility of government troops from Dengzhou coming to attack them. One character worries that with so few people on their side, they would be outnumbered and unable to resist, uttering this expression. The opera is a traditional Chinese theatrical work that depicts a tale of resistance against injustice.
💡 Example Usage
敌军来势汹汹，我方人单势孤，必须尽快请求增援。
The enemy is attacking in full force, and with our side being few and weak, we must request reinforcements as soon as possible.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 人单势孤
- Pinyin: rén dān shì gū
- Literal Translation: people, few, power, isolated
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4