📖 Meaning
When a beast is cornered, it will bite in desperation. Metaphorically, it describes how a person pushed into dire straits will fight back fiercely and unpredictably. It warns against driving an opponent to absolute desperation.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Han Shi Wai Zhuan' (韩诗外传), compiled by Han Ying during the Western Han Dynasty. The original passage states: 'When beasts are cornered they bite, when birds are cornered they peck, when people are cornered they turn to deception.' The text warns that throughout history, rulers who oppress their subordinates to the breaking point inevitably face danger. It encapsulates the universal principle that any creature pushed to extremes will resort to desperate measures.
💡 Example Usage
敌军被围困三日，兽穷则啮，竟发起自杀式反攻。
After being besieged for three days, the enemy forces—like cornered beasts—launched a suicidal counterattack.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 兽穷则啮
- Pinyin: shòu qióng zé niè
- Literal Translation: beast, cornered, then, bite
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4