Definition

Idiom: - To sue for peace under the city walls: This idiom describes a situation where a besieged army, unable to withstand the enemy's assault, is forced to surrender and swear a humiliating oath of peace at the foot of the city walls. It signifies a complete military defeat and a desperate, submissive plea for a truce.

Usage Examples

• Idiom:
  • Sau trận thảm bại, họ đành phải thành hạ yêu minh. (After the disastrous battle, they were forced to sue for peace under the city walls.)
  • Câu chuyện kể về một vị tướng kiên quyết không bao giờ chịu thành hạ yêu minh. (The story is about a general who was determined never to sue for peace under the city walls.)

Advanced Usage

• This idiom is primarily used in historical or literary contexts to depict scenes of ancient warfare and absolute capitulation. It carries a strong connotation of shame and helplessness for the defeated side.

Word Origin and Structure

• Literal Breakdown: The idiom is a four-character compound (tứ tự thành ngữ) from classical Chinese literature, adopted into Vietnamese.
  • Thành (城): city wall.
  • Hạ (下): under, beneath.
  • Yêu (要): to demand, to ask for.
  • Minh (盟): oath, alliance.
• Literal Translation: "to demand an oath under the city wall."

Synonyms

• To capitulate unconditionally: to surrender without any terms or conditions.
• To raise the white flag: to show you accept defeat and wish to stop fighting.
• To beg for mercy: to ask for kindness from someone who has defeated you.

Related Idioms and Concepts

• Giảng hòa: to negotiate peace. (This is a more general and neutral term for making peace, without the connotation of abject surrender.)
• Đầu hàng vô điều kiện: to surrender unconditionally. (This is a modern, direct equivalent.)
• The idiom is famously referenced in the epic Vietnamese poem "Truyện Kiều" by Nguyễn Du, cementing its place in the literary lexicon.