Definition
四面楚歌 is a four-character idiom from the story of Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, who was surrounded by Han forces and heard Chu songs from all sides, realizing his army's morale was broken. Today it describes a situation where someone is besieged on all sides, isolated and without help — often used in business, politics, or personal conflicts. The literal meaning ('Chu songs on four sides') doesn't convey the figurative sense, so learners should remember the historical allusion.
idiom
to be besieged on all sidesto be in a hopelessisolated position
Examples
- 四面楚歌，。Tā xiànzài sì miàn chǔ gē, méiyǒu rén yuànyì bāng tā.He is now besieged on all sides, with no one willing to help him.
- 四面楚歌，。Gōngsī miànlín sì miàn chǔ gē de kùnjìng, bìxū jǐnkuài zhǎodào chūlù.The company is in a situation of being besieged on all sides and must find a way out as soon as possible.
- 四面楚歌，。Zài bǐsài zhōng tā gǎndào sì miàn chǔ gē, duìshǒu de gōngshì yì bō jiē yì bō.During the match he felt besieged on all sides as his opponent's attacks came wave after wave.
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