Definition
俯首称臣 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'to bow one's head and call oneself a subject.' It describes a posture of total submission or surrender — often to a superior power, a rival, or a dominant force. You can use it in political, military, or figurative competitive contexts (e.g. business, sports).
f.e.
to bow and submitto surrender humbly (as a vassal)
Examples
- ，俯首称臣。Zhàn bài zhī hòu, zhège guójiā zhǐ néng xiàng qiáng guó fǔ shǒu chèn.After losing the war, this country could only bow and submit to the strong power.
- 俯首称臣。Zhè jiā gōngsī bù kěn zài jìngzhēng zhōng fǔ shǒu chèn.This company refused to bow down in the competition.
- 俯首称臣。Tā nìngkě cízhí yě bú xiàng duìshǒu fǔ shǒu chèn.He would rather quit than surrender to his opponent.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.