退避三舍
- Literal
- to retreat three she (three days' march)
- Figurative
- To back off and yield in order to avoid a confrontation, whether out of respect, gratitude, or prudence. Today it means stepping aside or making concessions rather than picking a fight.
Where does 退避三舍 come from?
While Chong'er, prince of the state of Jin, was living in exile, he was generously received by King Cheng of the state of Chu. In gratitude, Chong'er promised that if their armies ever met in battle, he would withdraw his troops by "three she" (one she was thirty li, a single day's march) to repay the kindness. Years later, now Duke Wen of Jin, he kept his word: at the battle of Chengpu he pulled his army back before engaging Chu. The retreat was no act of cowardice, for the Chu forces mistook it for weakness, advanced recklessly, and Jin went on to defeat them.
Source (出处): 《左传·僖公二十三年》
How is 退避三舍 used? Two examples
- 他脾气太大了，大家都对他退避三舍。
He has such a terrible temper that everyone keeps their distance rather than cross him.
- 为了不和邻居吵架，我决定退避三舍。
To avoid quarreling with my neighbor, I decided to back off and steer clear.
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