Definition
两败俱伤 is a four-character idiom (成语) describing a conflict or competition where both sides end up harmed or lose — there is no winner. It is often used as a warning against destructive rivalry, suggesting that cooperation or negotiation would be preferable.
f.e.
both sides loseneither side gains anything
Examples
- 两败俱伤,。Zhè chǎng shāngyè jìngzhēng zuìhòu liǎng bài jū shāng, liǎng jiā gōngsī dōu pòchǎn le.This business competition ended with both sides losing; both companies went bankrupt.
- ,两败俱伤,。Rúguǒ jìxù dǎ xiàqu, zhǐ huì liǎng bài jū shāng, bùrú zuò xiàlai hǎohǎo tán.If you keep fighting, you'll only both suffer; you'd be better off sitting down and talking it over.
- ,两败俱伤,。Tāmen chǎo le yí jià, jiéguǒ liǎng bài jū shāng, shéi yě méi dédào hǎochù.They had a quarrel, and it ended with both sides losing; neither got any benefit.
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