📖 Meaning
It means that both parties are evenly matched in intelligence and strength. The idiom describes a situation where neither side has a clear advantage over the other in terms of strategy or power.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' (三国志), specifically from the Biography of Wang Lang in the Book of Wei. Wang Lang, a minister of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period, analyzed the hypothetical scenario where Sun Quan of Wu would engage in prolonged warfare with Shu. He noted that if their wisdom and strength were evenly matched, the conflict would not be quickly resolved. He therefore advised selecting a prudent and steady general to seize strategic positions and act only at the right time and place for a decisive blow.
💡 Example Usage
在这场谈判中，双方智均力敌，谁也不肯让步。
In this negotiation, both sides were evenly matched in wisdom and strength, and neither was willing to compromise.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 智均力敌
- Pinyin: zhì jūn lì dí
- Literal Translation: wisdom, equal, strength, match
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4