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反客為主. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
反客為主, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
反客為主 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
反客為主 you have here. The definition of the word
反客為主 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
反客為主, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Chinese
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wrong side out or up; anti-
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customer; visitor; guest
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because of; for; to because of; for; to; act as; take...to be; to be; to do; to serve as; to become |
to own; to host; master to own; to host; master; lord; primary |
| trad. (反客為主/反客爲主)
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反
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客
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為/爲
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主
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| simp. (反客为主)
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反
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客
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为
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主
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| Literally: “to make the guest and host exchange roles”.
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Etymology
From Romance of the Three Kingdoms:
淵為人輕躁，恃勇少謀。可激勸士卒，拔寨前進，步步為營，誘淵來戰而擒之，此乃「反客為主」之法。 [Written Vernacular Chinese, trad.]
渊为人轻躁，恃勇少谋。可激劝士卒，拔寨前进，步步为营，诱渊来战而擒之，此乃「反客为主」之法。 [Written Vernacular Chinese, simp.]- From: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, circa 14th century CE
- Yuān wéirén qīngzào, shì yǒng shào móu. Kě jīquàn shìzú, bázhài qiánjìn, bùwéiwèiyíng, yòu Yuān lái zhàn ér qín zhī, cǐ nǎi “fǎnkèwéizhǔ” zhī fǎ.
- This Xiahou Yuan is easily provoked to anger, and being angry he is bold without discretion. Your way now is to work up the enthusiasm of your soldiers, then break camp and advance. Do this in a series of marches, and you will excite him up to the point of giving battle, when you can capture him. They call this the 'Ruse of the Interchange of Host and Guest'.
Pronunciation
Idiom
反客為主
- to turn the tables; to turn from passive to active behaviour