弄兵潢池 — “To raise a minor or insignificant rebellion”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 弄兵潢池?

比喻起兵。有不足道之意。潢池，积水池。

弄兵潢池 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to raise a minor or insignificant rebellion”. To attempt an uprising that is easily dismissed or suppressed, often implying a lack of seriousness or capability. Literally, “Playing with arms in a shallow pond”.

Frequency

弄兵潢池 Pronunciation and Pinyin

弄兵潢池 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
弄	nòng	7	do, make, handle, get
兵	bīng	7	weapon, soldier, military affairs
潢	huáng	14	stagnant water pool
池	chí	6	pond, pool, or pit

Example Sentence with 弄兵潢池

那些妄图通过制造混乱来达成个人目的的人，不过是在弄兵潢池，最终只会自取其辱。

Those who attempt to achieve personal goals by creating chaos are merely "playing with arms in a shallow pond," and will ultimately only bring shame upon themselves.

Origin and Story of 弄兵潢池

During the Han Dynasty, Gong Sui served as the Administrator of Bohai. The previous officials had severely oppressed the people, disregarding their well-being and relentlessly exploiting them. Consequently, the local residents, suffering from hunger and cold, rose in rebellion.

Gong Sui submitted a memorial to Emperor Xuan of Han, describing the people's uprising by saying, "The people were suffering from hunger and cold, yet the officials showed no concern, thus leading Your Majesty's innocent subjects to 'play with Your Majesty's arms in a shallow pond'." Gong Sui then adopted appeasement measures to resolve the situation.