📖 Meaning
This idiom describes knowing strength and power yet deliberately choosing to remain gentle and yielding. It reflects the Daoist principle of embracing softness over forcefulness and living without contention. Such a person understands force but prefers humility.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 28 of the Dao De Jing, written by Laozi during the Spring and Autumn period. The original passage reads, 'Know the male, keep to the female, be the ravine of the world.' Laozi used the contrast between masculine strength and feminine receptivity to express his philosophy that one should understand power yet choose to remain humble and non-competitive. Over time it became a celebrated expression of the Daoist ideal of yielding over aggression.
💡 Example Usage
他为人知雄守雌，处世温和，从不与人争执。
He embodies the principle of knowing strength yet staying gentle, handling life mildly and never quarreling with others.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 知雄守雌
- Pinyin: zhī xióng shǒu cí
- Literal Translation: Know the masculine, keep to the feminine
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4