Daimashin Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 指鹿为马 (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ) - To twist factsThis phrase came from during the Qin Dynasty under the rule of Emperor of Qin the 2nd. There was a Supreme Eunuch called Zhàogāo that ruled with an iron fist that even the Emperor is afraid of him. Feeling concerned about the growing dissatisfaction from the ministers. Zhàogāo devised a plan. One day, while he was accompanying the Emperor for a stroll along with the ministers, the group saw a deer. Zhàogāo called out to the Emperor and said, "Look your highness, such a beautiful horse." when in fact it's a deer. Even though everyone including the Emperor is aware that the creature is a deer, they didn't dare to argue with Zhàogāo. The Emperor then replied, "Yes, it's a beautiful horse indeed." Everyone but a few agreed afterwards and sang the same tune as Zhàogāo. Not long after, Zhàogāo ordered to have the few that disagreed and disputed executed. You see, Zhàogāo placed that deer there on purpose. It was his plan all along to see who is loyal to him and who isn't. Those that opposed him obviously didn't live long enough to see the end of Zhàogāo after the fall of Qin by the hands of the rebellion but that is another story.指鹿为马 (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ) is used to describe when someone is obviously lying and twisting facts just like Zhàogāo was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguaholic Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 I love the story (history) of 成语！I am just really struggling when it comes to the actual use of them. How could I pack this 成语 in a sentence?Could I say something like, 你说什么？你不要指鹿为马！ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daimashin Posted December 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 I love the story (history) of 成语！I am just really struggling when it comes to the actual use of them. How could I pack this 成语 in a sentence?Could I say something like, 你说什么？你不要指鹿为马！Yes, it's a correct way to use it. Most of the time it depends on the context and situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguaholic Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 Sure, context and situation are crucial! My question was more related to correct Grammar though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandandesign Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 我没有听过指鹿为马, 原来是指骗人的意思啊。It is good to know since I don't often use 成语。 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daimashin Posted December 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 Sure, context and situation are crucial! My question was more related to correct Grammar though.Oh okay. In that case, your sentence is correct. I'll try to include an example on its usage on my next thread, and a literal translation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.