不屈不挠 — “Unyielding”

不屈不挠 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “Unyielding”. Indomitable; refusing to be subdued or to give in to pressure or difficulties. Literally, “Not bend not flinch; unyielding and unbending”.

Frequency

不屈不挠 Pronunciation and Pinyin

不屈不挠 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
不	bù	4	not
屈	qū	8	bend, yield, feel wronged
不	bù	4	not
挠	náo	9	scratch or tickle

Example Sentence with 不屈不挠

面对重重困难，他始终不屈不挠，最终实现了自己的目标。

Facing numerous difficulties, he remained unyielding and ultimately achieved his goal.

Origin and Story of 不屈不挠

The story is about Wang Shang, courtesy name Ziwei. He inherited his father's title as Marquis of Lelü and served as Chancellor under Emperor Cheng of Han. He was known for his upright character and integrity.

In the autumn of the third year of Emperor Cheng's reign, a rumor suddenly spread in the capital city of Chang'an that a great flood was coming and the city would be submerged. Instantly, the common people of Chang'an were seized with panic, helping the old and leading the young, scrambling to flee for their lives.

When the news reached the palace, Emperor Cheng immediately summoned his civil and military officials to discuss countermeasures. His uncle, General Wang Feng, also panicked and urged the Emperor and Empress Dowager to quickly take to boats and prepare to evacuate. Other ministers also readily agreed with Wang Feng's suggestion.

Only Chancellor Wang Shang firmly opposed, believing that a great flood could not come so suddenly and that it must be a rumor. He argued that at such a critical moment, they should not evacuate lightly, as this would only cause greater panic among the people. Emperor Cheng adopted Wang Shang's advice. After a while, no flood appeared in the city, the rumor dissipated on its own, and order in the city gradually resumed. Investigations confirmed that the rumor was false. Emperor Cheng greatly admired Wang Shang's ability to stand against the majority.

However, Wang Feng believed Wang Shang had caused him to lose face, and thus harbored resentment.

Wang Feng had a relative named Yang Rong, who was the Prefect of Langya. Because Yang Rong had not managed his jurisdiction well, Wang Shang sought to punish him. Wang Feng personally went to Wang Shang to plead for Yang Rong and to clear him. Wang Shang, however, adhered to his principles and dismissed Yang Rong from office.

Wang Feng grew even more resentful and sought every means to retaliate. He conspired with associates to falsely accuse Wang Shang. Ultimately, Emperor Cheng believed the slanders and dismissed Wang Shang from his position as Chancellor.

Nevertheless, right and wrong are judged by public opinion. When Ban Gu, the author of the 'Book of Han,' wrote Wang Shang's biography, he appraised Wang Shang as: a person of honesty and fairness, unyielding and unbending. Such a commentary is very objective and just.