狡兔三窟 — “To have multiple cunning plans or escape routes”
狡兔三窟 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to have multiple cunning plans or escape routes”. To have several backup plans or safeguards to ensure safety or avoid danger. Literally, “A cunning rabbit has three burrows”.
狡兔三窟 Pronunciation and Pinyin
狡兔三窟 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 狡兔三窟
Origin and Story of 狡兔三窟
During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a man named Lord Mengchang in the State of Qi. He was fond of befriending literati and chivalrous individuals, often inviting them to reside in his home for discussions on state affairs. Among them was a man named Feng Xuan, who often stayed for extended periods but did nothing. Although Lord Mengchang found this peculiar, being a hospitable host, he continued to entertain Feng Xuan warmly.
On one occasion, Feng Xuan went to Xue, a territory of Lord Mengchang, to collect debts. However, instead of collecting, he burned all the debt bonds. The people of Xue believed this was an act of benevolence from Lord Mengchang and were filled with gratitude. Later, when Lord Mengchang was dismissed from his prime minister position by King Qi and moved to Xue, he received a warm welcome from its people. Only then did Lord Mengchang truly recognize Feng Xuan's talent.
It was at this point that the usually quiet Feng Xuan told Lord Mengchang: 'A clever rabbit usually has three burrows to escape a hunter's pursuit in an emergency and avoid death. But you currently only have one hiding place, so you cannot sleep soundly yet. I am willing to arrange two more secure hiding places for you.' So, Feng Xuan went to meet King Hui of Liang. He told King Hui that if he could invite Lord Mengchang to govern his state, Liang would surely become stronger. King Hui then sent messengers to invite Lord Mengchang to Liang, intending to offer him an important governmental position. However, Feng Xuan repeatedly advised Lord Mengchang not to accept, even after messengers from Liang came three times.
When the news of Liang's invitation spread to King Qi, King Qi became anxious and promptly sent for Lord Mengchang to return and resume his role as prime minister in Qi. Feng Xuan then suggested that Lord Mengchang request from King Qi the ancestral sacrificial vessels of Qi, and that these be placed in Xue, along with the construction of a temple there to ensure Xue's security. After the temple was built, Feng Xuan told Lord Mengchang: 'Now your three secure resting places are all established. From now on, you can elevate your pillow and sleep soundly.'
Idioms Related to 狡兔三窟
Synonyms of 狡兔三窟
More idioms starting with 狡
- jiǎo狡tù兔sān三xué穴have multiple backup plans
- jiǎo狡tù兔sǐ死，，liáng良quǎn犬pēng烹discard useful subordinates after success
- jiǎo狡tù兔sǐ死，，liáng良gǒu狗pēng烹discarded after serving one's purpose
- jiǎo狡yān焉sī思qǐ启scheming to encroach on others' property
- jiǎo狡yān焉sī思sì肆cunningly plotting aggression
- jiǎo狡yān焉sī思chěng逞cunningly plotting to prevail
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Open the tool →Questions about 狡兔三窟
What does 狡兔三窟 mean?
狡兔三窟 (jiǎo tù sān kū) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to have multiple cunning plans or escape routes”.
How do you pronounce 狡兔三窟?
狡兔三窟 is pronounced jiǎo tù sān kū in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 狡兔三窟 literally mean?
Literally, 狡兔三窟 means “a cunning rabbit has three burrows”. It is used to mean “to have multiple cunning plans or escape routes”.
Where does 狡兔三窟 come from?
狡兔三窟 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 狡兔三窟?
窟：洞穴。狡猾的兔子准备好几个藏身的窝。比喻隐蔽的地方或方法多。