Definition
一盘散沙 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning 'a sheet of loose sand' — it describes a group of people who lack unity, organization, or collective spirit, so they are ineffective. It carries a derogatory tone and is often used to criticize a team, society, or nation that cannot work together. The literal image is sand that falls apart when you try to pick it up, contrasting with cohesive groups.
id.
(idiom, derogatory) in a state of disunitydisorganized and lacking cohesion
Examples
- 一盘散沙，。Zhège tuánduì jiù xiàng yī pán sǎn, shéi yě guǎn bù liǎo shéi.This team is like a sheet of loose sand — nobody can manage anyone else.
- ，一盘散沙。Rúguǒ dàjiā bù tuánjié, guójiā jiù huì biàn chéng yī pán sǎn.If people don't unite, the country will become a sheet of loose sand.
- ，。Tāmen gōngsī nèibù máodùn tài duō, jiǎnzhí shì yì pán sǎn shā.Their company has too many internal conflicts — it's practically a sheet of loose sand.
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