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针锋相对

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: zhēn fēng xiāng duì
  • English Translation: Tit-for-tat / Sharp confrontation (Needle point against blade edge)
  • Idiom Composition: 「针」（A needle）＋「锋」（The sharp edge or point of a weapon (like a blade)）＋「相」（Mutually; each other）＋「对」（To face; to oppose; to be directed against）
  • Meaning: To be diametrically opposed or in sharp confrontation, like the point of a needle meeting the edge of a blade. It describes a situation where two parties are locked in a fierce struggle or argument, with neither side willing to yield an inch.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「针锋相对」 contains the following nuances:

  • Sharp Confrontation: This idiom represents a hostile and tense relationship rather than a simple disagreement. It is frequently used in the context of intense struggles or high-stakes arguments.
  • Immediate Counter-attack: It carries the nuance of responding to an opponent's words or actions immediately and precisely with equal force, leaving no room for compromise.

3. Usage

「针锋相对」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Debates and Discussions: Used to describe a situation in a debate or meeting where one party refutes the other's claims without backing down.
    • Example:「在辩论会上，双方选手针锋相对，互不相让。」
      （In the debate, both contestants were locked in a sharp confrontation, with neither willing to give ground.）
  • Diplomacy and Political Struggle: Used when a country or political entity takes counter-measures of equal strength against an opponent's aggressive stance.
    • Example:「针对对方的不实指控，外交部发言人发表了针锋相对的声明。」
      （In response to the other side's baseless accusations, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a tit-for-tat statement.）
  • Daily Arguments: Describes a heated verbal exchange where people trade insults or sharp remarks.
    • Example:「他们俩一见面就吵架，说的话总是针锋相对。」
      （The two of them start arguing as soon as they meet, and their words are always sharply antagonistic.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 面对记者的尖锐提问，他做出了针锋相对的回应。
    （Facing the reporter's piercing questions, he gave a tit-for-tat response.）
  2. 采取针锋相对的策略并不总是解决问题的最好办法。
    （Adopting a confrontational strategy is not always the best way to solve a problem.）
  3. 这两家公司的广告宣传战打得针锋相对。
    （The advertising war between these two companies is fiercely competitive and direct.）
  4. 与其针锋相对地争吵，不如坐下来冷静沟通。
    （Rather than clashing head-on, it is better to sit down and communicate calmly.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Evolution of Meaning: This idiom originally comes from the Buddhist Zen text Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp (景德传灯录), where it appeared as 针锋相投 (zhēn fēng xiāng tóu). Originally, it had a positive meaning, describing the perfect alignment of minds between a master and disciple—like a needle fitting perfectly into a hole. Over time, the 'meeting' (投) changed to 'opposing' (对), and the meaning shifted to describe sharp conflict.
  • Comparison with Similar Phrases: It is very similar to the folk saying 针尖对麦芒 (zhēn jiān duì mài máng), which means 'a needle point against a wheat awn.' However, 针锋相对 (zhēn fēng xiāng duì) is more formal and is frequently used in serious contexts like diplomacy and politics.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

针锋相对 (zhēn fēng xiāng duì) is a powerful idiom used to describe intense, direct confrontation in arguments, actions, or policies. It evokes the image of two sharp objects meeting head-on, symbolizing a 'tit-for-tat' approach where every attack is met with an equally sharp counter-response. It is commonly used in contexts ranging from heated debates and business competition to international diplomacy.

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