郑昭宋聋 — “To highlight a stark contrast in situations or perceptions”

郑昭宋聋 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to highlight a stark contrast in situations or perceptions”. Refers to different circumstances or awareness among various parties. Literally, “Zheng is bright, Song is deaf”.

Frequency

郑昭宋聋 Pronunciation and Pinyin

郑昭宋聋 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
郑	zhèng	9	ancient Chinese state Zheng
昭	zhāo	9	bright, clear, manifest
宋	sòng	7	Song Dynasty
聋	lóng	11	unable to hear

Example Sentence with 郑昭宋聋

在那个项目中，A团队对市场变化了如指掌，而B团队则对潜在风险一无所知，这简直就是郑昭宋聋。

In that project, Team A was fully aware of market changes, while Team B was oblivious to potential risks; this was truly a case of 'Zheng is bright, Song is deaf.'

Origin and Story of 郑昭宋聋

During the Spring and Autumn period, King Chu dispatched Shen Zhou to the State of Qi to arrange a marriage alliance, cautioning him not to travel through the State of Song. Simultaneously, he sent Prince Feng to the State of Jin for an engagement, instructing him to avoid passing through the State of Zheng.

Shen Zhou, who had previously offended the State of Song during the Battle of Mengzhu, remarked, "Zheng is clear and aware, while Song is blind and oblivious. The envoy to Jin will face no danger, but I will surely perish."

King Chu responded, "If they kill you, I shall launch an attack against them."

Upon Shen Zhou's arrival in the State of Song, the people of Song intercepted him and put him to death.