📖 Meaning
This idiom describes people who share a common hatred or abhorrence mutually aiding each other to confront their shared enemy. It reflects the principle that those united by a common grievance naturally form alliances and support one another against what they jointly despise.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom is a classical Chinese expression closely related to the similar phrase '同恶相助' (mutual aid among those who share the same hatred). It embodies ancient Chinese political and military philosophy, particularly the strategic insight that shared enmity creates natural coalitions. The concept recurs in classical discussions of statecraft and alliance-building, where common hatred is recognized as a powerful motivator for cooperation. No single definitive textual source has been recorded for this exact formulation.
💡 Example Usage
他们同恶相恤，联手对付共同的敌人。
They shared a common hatred and aided one another, joining forces against their mutual enemy.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 同恶相恤
- Pinyin: tóng wù xiāng xù
- Literal Translation: same, detest, mutually, aid
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4