约法三章
- Literal
- to agree on a law of three articles
- Figurative
- To agree in advance on a few clear, simple rules that both sides commit to following.
Where does 约法三章 come from?
In 206 BCE, at the fall of the Qin dynasty, Liu Bang was the first general to enter the capital, Xianyang, and receive the surrender of the last Qin king. Rather than keeping the harsh, tangled laws of the old regime, he pulled his troops back to Bashang, gathered the local elders and notables, and abolished the entire code. In its place he agreed with the people on just three articles: anyone who killed would face death, and anyone who wounded or robbed would be punished according to the offence. Relieved, the people welcomed him warmly, and the gesture helped Liu Bang win the popular support that would later let him found the Han dynasty.
Source (出处): 《史记·高祖本纪》
How is 约法三章 used? Two examples
- 我们合租之前先约法三章，免得以后吵架。
Before we share the flat, let's agree on a few clear rules so we don't argue later.
- 老师和学生约法三章，上课时不能玩手机。
The teacher and students agreed on a few clear rules: no playing with phones during class.
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