先礼后兵 (xiān lǐ hòu bīng) — to try peaceful means before resorting to force; courtesy before coercion
Definition
An idiom meaning 'try peaceful means first, then use force if needed' — a diplomatic or negotiating strategy, not a physical fight. The 兵 here is figurative: pressure or action, not literal violence.
idiom
to try peaceful means before resorting to forcecourtesy before coercion
Examples
- 先礼后兵，。Tán pàn shí wǒ men zuì hǎo xiān lǐ hòu bīng, xiān hǎo hǎo gōu tōng.In negotiations, we'd better try courtesy before force — communicate well first.
- 先礼后兵，。Tā chǔ lǐ jiū fēn zǒng shì xiān lǐ hòu bīng, xiān jiǎng dào lǐ zài cǎi qǔ xíng dòng.He always handles disputes by trying peaceful means first — reasoning before taking action.
- 先礼后兵。xiān lǐ hòu bīng De cè lüè ràng duì fāng wú fǎ jù jué wǒ men de yāo qiú.The strategy of courtesy before force left the other side unable to refuse our demands.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.