Definition
倒戈 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to defect in battle' or 'to switch sides' — literally 'to turn one's weapon around'. The 倒 and 戈 can split when a time word or measure word goes between them (e.g. 倒过戈 'has defected before'). It's a formal, often literary term used in military or political contexts.
v.o.
(离合词) to defect in battleto switch sides and attack one's own former side
Examples
- 倒戈。Díjūn nèibù hěnduō rén yǐjīng zhǔnbèi dǎo gē.Many inside the enemy army are already preparing to defect.
- ,。Tā céngjīng dǎo guò yí cì gē, hòulái yòu huílái le.He once defected, but later came back.
- 倒戈。Zhànchǎng shàng tūrán dǎo gē huì dǎluàn zhěnggè zhànjú.A sudden defection on the battlefield can disrupt the entire campaign.
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