揭竿而起 — “To rise in rebellion”

揭竿而起 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to rise in rebellion”. To stage an uprising, often spontaneously and with makeshift weapons, in response to oppression or injustice. Literally, “To raise poles and rise up”.

Frequency

揭竿而起 Pronunciation and Pinyin

揭竿而起 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
揭	jiē	12	uncover, reveal, lift
竿	gān	9	pole, rod, bamboo slip
而	ér	6	and, but, then
起	qǐ	10	to rise, start, or begin

Example Sentence with 揭竿而起

长期遭受不公待遇后，工人们终于揭竿而起，要求合理的报酬和工作条件。

After suffering long-term unfair treatment, the workers finally rose in revolt, demanding fair wages and working conditions.

Origin and Story of 揭竿而起

In July 209 BC, the local official of Yangcheng dispatched two officers to escort 900 poor laborers to Yuyang to guard the frontier. These officers selected Chen Sheng, a hired farmhand, and Wu Guang, a poor farmer, as commanders. They quickly became good friends.

The group hurried north, knowing that missing the deadline meant execution according to Qin law. However, after a few days, they reached Daze Township when heavy rain forced them to camp. The rain continued, making it clear they would miss the deadline.

Chen Sheng discussed with Wu Guang: "Even if we proceed, missing the deadline means death; if we flee and are caught, it's also death. Since death is inevitable, why don't we all revolt, overthrow Qin Er Shi, and eliminate harm for the common people?" Wu Guang agreed. They decided to rally support by invoking the names of Prince Fusu (unjustly killed by Qin Er Shi) and Xiang Yan (a revered former general of Chu).

Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, with a few trusted followers, first killed the two officers. Holding their heads, they explained to everyone that without an uprising, they would face death in vain. Immediately, hundreds of men declared their willingness to risk their lives and join them.

They chopped down trees for weapons, raised bamboo poles as banners, swore an oath, and resolved to overthrow Qin Er Shi. They elected Chen Sheng and Wu Guang as their leaders and swiftly occupied Daze Township.

Upon hearing this, young people from Daze Township, armed with farm tools and wooden sticks, flocked to their camp to join the uprising against the Qin tyranny.