📖 Meaning
Describes a warrior of such extraordinary might that even ten thousand men cannot stand against him. It emphasizes unparalleled bravery and martial prowess, often used to depict legendary generals or heroes in battle.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom appears in classical Chinese historical and literary works to extol peerless warriors. It is notably used in the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记) to describe Xiang Yu (项羽), the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, whose battlefield ferocity was said to be unmatched by any army. The phrase also appears in the Ming dynasty novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' (三国演义) in reference to Guan Yu (关羽). Over centuries, it became a standard epithet for any fighter of invincible courage.
💡 Example Usage
这位将军有万夫不当之勇，单枪匹马冲入敌阵。
This general possesses the valor of one whom ten thousand men cannot withstand, charging alone into the enemy ranks.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 万夫不当
- Pinyin: wàn fū bù dāng
- Literal Translation: ten thousand, men, not, withstand
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4