左右开弓 — “To shoot with both hands (left and right)”

左右开弓 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to shoot with both hands (left and right)”. Or to perform tasks with both hands alternately or simultaneously, demonstrating great skill and versatility. Literally, “left and right drawing a bow”.

Frequency

左右开弓 Pronunciation and Pinyin

左右开弓 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
左	zuǒ	5	left side
右	yòu	5	right side, conservative
开	kāi	4	open, start, operate
弓	gōng	3	bow

Example Sentence with 左右开弓

在比赛中，这位选手左右开弓，灵活地切换操作，最终取得了胜利

In the competition, this player was ambidextrous, switching operations flexibly with both hands, and ultimately achieved victory.

Origin and Story of 左右开弓

During the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Shoumong, the Jiedushi (military governor) of Youzhou, dispatched An Lushan to lead an army of 60,000 to attack the Khitan people. An Lushan was defeated in battle and subsequently escorted back to Chang'an to face Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.

Noticing An Lushan's broad shoulders and thick waist, Emperor Xuanzong inquired about his martial arts prowess. An Lushan responded that he could shoot arrows with both hands (左右开弓), was proficient in all eighteen types of martial arts, and even spoke six minority languages.

Impressed, Emperor Xuanzong pardoned him and gave him a significant promotion, a decision that would later contribute to the devastating An-Shi Rebellion.