📖 Meaning
To be caught between two powerful states, forced to choose allegiance to one or the other without being able to offend either. It describes a dilemma faced by a weak party sandwiched between two strong rivals.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Mencius (孟子), in the chapter 'Liang Hui Wang II' (梁惠王下) of the Warring States period. Duke Wen of Teng (滕文公), ruler of the tiny state of Teng, asked the philosopher Mencius for counsel: Teng was a small nation squeezed between the two great powers of Qi and Chu. He asked whether Teng should submit to Qi or to Chu. Mencius's reply highlighted the impossible position of a weak state caught between two dominant forces, a predicament that had no easy solution.
💡 Example Usage
夹在大国之间的小国，事齐事楚皆为难，唯有自强方能立足。
A small state caught between great powers finds it a dilemma to side with either Qi or Chu; only by growing strong can it hold its ground.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 事齐事楚
- Pinyin: shì qí shì chǔ
- Literal Translation: serve Qi, serve Chu
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4