tǐng铤ér而zǒu走xiǎn险
To take a desperate risk; to make a dangerous move when cornered; to go for broke.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Ling of Jin, aiming to expand his power and become a hegemon, gathered various feudal lords at Hu.
He was reluctant to meet with Duke Mu of Zheng, a smaller state, suspecting him of plotting against Jin.
To ease the tension, Zǐjiā, a high-ranking official from Zheng, wrote a letter to Zhao Dun, a chief minister of Jin. In the letter, Zǐjiā expressed Zheng's willingness to maintain friendly relations and emphasized that states should treat each other with courtesy, rather than being forced to 'take desperate risks' ("") and engage in warfare.