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多个冤家多堵墙
duō gè yuānjiā duō dǔ qiáng
Natural meaning
One more enemy means one more wall.
Literal translation
more one enemy, more one wall
What it means
This means that making an enemy creates an obstacle in your life. It's a warning against creating conflicts, as enemies can block your path or cause problems for you in the future.
Cultural context
This saying is closely related to the concept of 'face' and maintaining harmonious relationships. In a society that relies heavily on networks, having enemies is seen as a significant disadvantage.
When Chinese people say this
Someone might say this when advising a friend to let go of a grudge or to apologize to someone they've offended, rather than escalating the conflict.
Why Chinese people say this
This proverb serves as a practical guide for social behavior. It signals that in Chinese culture, building and maintaining positive relationships is crucial, and creating enemies is seen as a self-inflicted harm that can have long-term negative consequences.
💬 Real-life example
A:I'm really angry at my coworker for taking credit for my idea.
B:But if you confront him, you might make an enemy.
C:没错，多个冤家多堵墙。何必给自己找麻烦呢？
⚠️ Don't take it literally
Do not interpret it literally as enemies being physical walls.
📖 Story example
During a dispute with a neighbor over property lines, Mr. Chen decided to compromise rather than escalate. He explained to his wife, '多个冤家多堵墙,' preferring peace over a prolonged feud.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What does 多个冤家多堵墙 mean in English?
It means 'One more enemy means one more wall,' indicating that enemies create barriers in life.
When do Chinese people say 多个冤家多堵墙?
The saying reflects a traditional wisdom against making enemies, often used in conflict resolution advice.
Is 多个冤家多堵墙 still relevant today?
Yes, it's used to counsel diplomacy and avoiding unnecessary conflicts in personal and professional settings.
What is the English equivalent of 多个冤家多堵墙?
Similar concepts are found in 'don't burn your bridges' or 'an enemy is a weight around your neck.'
💕 Related Chinese sayings