七纵七禽 — “To subdue an opponent through clever strategies and magnanimity”

七纵七禽 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to subdue an opponent through clever strategies and magnanimity”. Making them willingly submit, often after repeated captures and releases to win their loyalty. Literally, “Seven releases, seven captures”.

Frequency

七纵七禽 Pronunciation and Pinyin

七纵七禽 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
七	qī	2	the number seven
纵	zòng	7	to let go or indulge
七	qī	2	the number seven
禽	qín	13	birds and beasts

Example Sentence with 七纵七禽

这位教练善于用引导而非强迫的方式管理团队，每次队员犯错后，他都会耐心教导直到大家心服口服，如同七纵七禽一般。

The coach was skilled at managing the team through guidance rather than coercion; whenever a team member made a mistake, he would patiently instruct them until everyone was wholeheartedly convinced, just like 'seven releases, seven captures'.

Origin and Story of 七纵七禽

During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor of the Shu Han kingdom, led an expedition to the south to consolidate his rear defenses. Just as his campaign was successfully concluding and he was preparing to withdraw his troops, Meng Huo, the leader of the southern Yi tribes, gathered his remaining forces to attack the Shu army.

Upon their first encounter, Meng Huo was captured alive. Zhuge Liang, considering the larger strategic picture, released him to go home.

Meng Huo was subsequently captured and released seven times. Each time, Zhuge Liang showed clemency and sought to win his genuine submission.

Ultimately, Meng Huo was so moved by Zhuge Liang's wisdom and magnanimity that he sincerely submitted to the Shu Han kingdom, pledging his loyalty and ensuring peace in the southern region.