Definition
先礼后兵 is a chengyu (four-character idiom) meaning 'try peaceful means before resorting to force'. It describes a strategy of first attempting polite, diplomatic, or courteous methods, and only turning to aggressive or forceful action when those fail. You can use it in business negotiations, conflict resolution, or any situation where you escalate from soft to hard tactics.
f.e.
to try peaceful means before resorting to forcecourtesy before coercion
Examples
- 先礼后兵，。Tánpàn shí wǒmen zuì hǎo xiān lǐ hòu bīng, xiān hǎohāo gōutōng.In negotiations, we'd better try courtesy before force — communicate well first.
- 先礼后兵，。Tā chǔlǐ jiūfēn zǒngshì xiān lǐ hòu bīng, xiān jiǎng dàolǐ zài cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.He always handles disputes by trying peaceful means first — reasoning before taking action.
- 先礼后兵。xiān lǐ hòu bīng de cèlüè ràng duìfāng wúfǎ jùjué wǒmen de yāoqiú.The strategy of courtesy before force left the other side unable to refuse our demands.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.