Chinese idiom · 成语
四面楚歌
Meaning
Surrounded by Chu songs; to be in a desperate, isolated situation.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical accountShiji (史記), volume 7, describes Xiang Yu’s army encamped at Gaixia with few troops and exhausted supplies, surrounded by Han forces and their allies. At night he hears songs of Chu coming from every direction in the enemy camp. Astonished by so many familiar voices, he asks whether Han has already gained all of Chu.
The account then presents his sorrowful song in his tent, with his companion Yu and horse Zhui nearby. The idiom condenses this moment of military encirclement and emotional isolation. The passage does not identify a particular musician as the inventor of the tactic, so later elaborations should not be mistaken for its wording.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
连原来的合作伙伴都反对这个方案，负责人顿时陷入四面楚歌的处境。
Even the original partners opposed the plan, leaving its leader isolated and opposed on all sides.
Stronger than encountering one objection: it implies surrounding opposition and little support.