Definition
残兵败将 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally means 'remaining soldiers and defeated generals.' It refers to the survivors of a routed army after a crushing defeat. Figuratively, you can use it for any group that has been badly beaten or is in a demoralized, broken state. The tone is dismissive, describing opponents or rivals who are no longer a threat.
f.e.
(chengyu) remnants of a routed army(figurative) a defeated or demoralized group
Examples
- 残兵败将。Dífāng zhǐ shèng xià yìxiē cán bīng bài jiāng zài fùyú wánkàng.The enemy only had a few stragglers left putting up a desperate fight.
- ，残兵败将。Nà zhī qiúduì lián shū shí chǎng, yǐjīng biàn chéng yìqún cán bīng bài jiāng le.That team has lost ten games in a row and has turned into a bunch of beaten players.
- 残兵败将，。Suīrán wǒmen shì cán bīng bài jiāng, dàn shìqì bù néng dǎo.Even though we are the remnants of a defeated force, our morale must not collapse.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.