Bát canh Đản thổ

Definition
  1. Noun (Proper Noun / Historical Idiom):
    • "A bowl of minced father soup": A classical Chinese idiom originating from the "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji). It refers to a specific historical threat made by Xiang Yu to boil Liu Bang's father alive, and Liu Bang's cynical, ruthless response demanding a share of the resulting soup. It symbolizes extreme political ruthlessness, a willingness to sacrifice family for power, and a cold-blooded retort in a deadly stalemate.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Câu chuyện "bát canh Đản thổ" minh họa cho sự tàn nhẫn trong cuộc chiến tranh Hán-Sở. (The story of "a bowl of minced father soup" illustrates the ruthlessness of the Chu-Han Contention.)
    • Hành động của Hán Vương trong tình huống đó thường bị so sánh với "bát canh Đản thổ", thể hiện sự lạnh lùng vì đại cục. (The Han King's action in that situation is often compared to "the bowl of father soup," showing cold-bloodedness for the greater strategic goal.)
Advanced Usage
  • This term is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or political commentary to describe acts of shocking pragmatism or betrayal where personal or familial ties are completely disregarded for ambition or survival.
  • It functions as a cultural reference point rather than a common descriptive phrase.
Variants and Related Words
  • Đản thổ canh: An alternative, less common word order with the same meaning.
  • Lời đòi canh Đản thổ: (The demand for father soup.) Refers specifically to Liu Bang's retort.
Synonyms
  • Utter ruthlessness: Complete absence of mercy or familial sentiment in pursuit of a goal.
  • Political pragmatism (to an extreme degree): Making decisions based solely on power dynamics, ignoring moral or emotional constraints.
  • Cold-blooded retort: A calculated and emotionally detached response to a threat.
Related Idioms
  • "Thà giết lầm còn hơn bỏ sót": (Better to kill by mistake than to let escape.) Shares the theme of extreme, merciless action for perceived strategic necessity.
  • "Lấy đại cục làm trọng": (To prioritize the overall situation.) Often used to justify harsh actions, but "bát canh Đản thổ" represents its most extreme and negative interpretation.