Chinese idiom-南辕北辙 (nán yán běi zhé)

The Story of Going South by Driving the Chariot North originates from “The Strategies of the Warring States: Wei Strategy IV” by Liu Xiang of the Western Han Dynasty. The story tells of a man who wanted to go to the State of Chu but drove his chariot northward instead. He encountered a fellow traveler who told him that Chu was in the south, but he insisted that his horse was fast, he had plenty of money for the journey, and his driver was skilled, so there would be no problem. However, the fellow traveler pointed out that even with all these good conditions, if the direction was wrong, he would be getting farther and farther away from his destination.

This story later came to be used as a metaphor for actions that are diametrically opposed to one’s purpose. In sentences, this idiom can be used as an attribute or object, often with a derogatory meaning. The story also expresses the author’s longing for a wise and enlightened ruler, demonstrating his aspiration to make a difference. During the Warring States period, Ji Liang used this story to advise King Wei Anli to abandon his plan to attack the State of Zhao, as such an action would be contrary to his purpose.

This story also reminds us that when dealing with people and matters, we should first establish the correct direction. If the direction is wrong, then the better the conditions and the harder we work, the farther we will be from achieving our goals.