退避三舍 — “To give way”
退避三舍 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to give way”. Make concessions, or retreat a great distance to avoid conflict, show respect, or prevent an escalation. Literally, “Retreat and avoid for three *she* (ninety *li*)”.
退避三舍 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 退tuì
- 避bì
- 三sān
- 舍shè
退避三舍 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 退避三舍
Origin and Story of 退避三舍
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xian of Jin, misled by slander, executed Prince Shengsheng and sought to capture his younger brother, Chong'er. Upon learning this, Chong'er fled Jin and lived in exile for over a decade.
After enduring numerous hardships, Chong'er arrived in the State of Chu. King Cheng of Chu, believing Chong'er would achieve great things in the future, welcomed him with the courtesies due to a feudal lord and treated him as an honored guest. One day, King Cheng hosted a banquet for Chong'er. As they drank and conversed cordially, King Cheng suddenly asked Chong'er, “If one day you return to Jin and become its ruler, how would you repay me?”
Chong'er pondered for a moment and replied, “Your Majesty already possesses abundant beauties, attendants, treasures, and silks. Rare birds, feathers, ivory, and animal furs are plentiful in Chu. What rare items could Jin possibly offer Your Majesty?” King Cheng said, “You are too modest, my son. Although that may be true, you must still show me some gesture of gratitude.” Chong'er smiled and answered, “If, by your grace, I can indeed return home and govern, I wish to maintain friendly relations with your esteemed state. Should a war ever break out between Jin and Chu, I promise to order my army to retreat ninety *li* (three *she*, where one *she* equals thirty *li*) first. If I still cannot earn your forgiveness, then I will engage in battle.”
Four years later, Chong'er indeed returned to Jin and became its ruler, known in history as Duke Wen of Jin. Under his rule, Jin grew increasingly powerful. In 633 BC, the armies of Chu and Jin met in battle. To fulfill his promise, Duke Wen ordered his army to retreat ninety *li* and encamp at Chengpu. The Chu army, seeing Jin retreat, thought they were afraid and immediately pursued. The Jin army, exploiting the Chu army's arrogance and underestimation of the enemy, concentrated their forces and decisively defeated the Chu army, winning the Battle of Chengpu.
The story originates from "Zuo Zhuan, Duke Xi, 22nd Year." The idiom "退避三舍" figuratively means to make concessions or actively avoid conflict.
Idioms Related to 退避三舍
Synonyms of 退避三舍
Antonyms of 退避三舍
More idioms starting with 退
- tuì退rú如shān山yí移remain calm and unperturbed in retreat
- tuì退xǐ徙sān三shě舍retreat a great distance to avoid conflict
- tuì退sī思bǔ补guò过reflect on past actions and amend faults
- tuì退lǚ旅jìn进lǚ旅advance and retreat together
- tuì退yǒu有hòu后yán言agree to disagree behind one's back
- tuì退bù步chōu抽shēn身withdraw from a demanding situation
- tuì退cáng藏yú于mì密profound truths hidden in plain sight
- tuì退ràng让xián贤lù路Step aside for more capable people
- tuì退bì避xián贤lù路step aside for a more capable person
- tuì退shí食cóng从róng容composed and dignified
- tuì退shí食zì自gōng公reduce personal expenses for public good
Questions about 退避三舍
- What does 退避三舍 mean?
- 退避三舍 (tuì bì sān shè) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to give way”.
- How do you pronounce 退避三舍?
- 退避三舍 is pronounced tuì bì sān shè in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 退避三舍 literally mean?
- Literally, 退避三舍 means “Retreat and avoid for three *she* (ninety *li*)”. It is used to mean “to give way”.
- Where does 退避三舍 come from?
- 退避三舍 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 退避三舍?
- 舍：古时行军计程以三十里为一舍。主动退让九十里。比喻退让和回避，避免冲突。