捭阖纵横 — Chinese Idiom
捭阖纵横 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to employ sophisticated rhetorical and strategic tactics to influence, persuade, or manipulate others, often by creating divisions or forging alliances; to maneuver strategically in complex situations”.
捭阖纵横 Pronunciation and Pinyin
捭阖纵横 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 捭阖纵横
Origin and Story of 捭阖纵横
During the Warring States period, the various vassal states were seeking strategies to deal with the powerful State of Qin. Their attitudes were divided into two main factions.
One group, led by Zhang Yi, traveled widely, advocating for submission to Qin's leadership and supporting Qin's unification of the six states. This strategy was known as 'Horizontal Alliance' (连横), as it involved allying with Qin along an east-west axis.
The other faction, championed by Su Qin, urged the six states to unite vertically against Qin. This was called the 'Vertical Alliance' (合纵).
Despite these efforts to form alliances or create divisions, the states often acted independently, ultimately failing to present a unified front and eventually being conquered by Qin.
The idiom 'Bai He Zong Heng' thus refers to these complex strategies of influencing, dividing, and uniting others through rhetoric and tactical maneuvering.
Idioms Related to 捭阖纵横
Synonyms of 捭阖纵横
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Open the tool →Questions about 捭阖纵横
What does 捭阖纵横 mean?
捭阖纵横 (bǎi hé zòng héng) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to employ sophisticated rhetorical and strategic tactics to influence, persuade, or manipulate others, often by creating divisions or forging alliances; to maneuver strategically in complex situations”.
How do you pronounce 捭阖纵横?
捭阖纵横 is pronounced bǎi hé zòng héng in Mandarin Chinese.
Where does 捭阖纵横 come from?
捭阖纵横 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 捭阖纵横?
捭阖，开合。纵横，合纵和连横的简称。以辞令探测、打动别人，在政治和外交上运用分化与争取的手段。