合纵连横

合縱連橫

hézòng-liánhéng

idiom

Meanings

1 Vertical and Horizontal Alliances (Warring States diplomatic strategies)
2 to form shifting coalitions
3 to engage in strategic alliance-building

Characters

vertical (north-south)

horizontal (east-west)

Examples

HSK 7-9

战国时期诸侯合纵连横，以图自保。

Zhànguó shíqī zhūhóu hézòng-liánhéng, yǐ tú zìbǎo.

During the Warring States period, rulers formed shifting alliances for self-preservation.

HSK 7-9

公司在市场上合纵连横，建立起自己的生态圈。

Gōngsī zài shìchǎng shàng hézòng-liánhéng, jiànlì qǐ zìjǐ de shēngtài quān.

The company has built an ecosystem through strategic alliances.

Tips

history

Original meaning: 合纵 = Su Qin's vertical alliance of six northern states against Qin; 连横 = Zhang Yi's horizontal strategy pairing Qin with individual states to break that alliance. The School of Diplomacy (纵横家) is named after these.

usage

Now frequently used in business and politics to describe tactical alliance-building and coalition maneuvering.

Stroke Order

合 hé

纵 zòng

连 lián

横 héng