杯酒释兵权

杯酒釋兵權

bēijiǔ shì bīngquán

idiom

Meanings

1 to relieve the generals of their commands over a cup of wine, as Song Taizu did at a banquet in 961
2 to ease powerful subordinates out of power peacefully, with rewards instead of force

Characters

to release; to relieve of

Examples

HSK 7-9

宋太祖靠杯酒释兵权，让大将们交出了兵权。

Sòngtàizǔ kào bēijiǔ shì bīngquán, ràng dàjiàngmen jiāochū le bīngquán.

Over a cup of wine, Song Taizu got his top generals to give up their commands.

HSK 7-9

新老板没有直接开除元老，而是来了个杯酒释兵权。

Xīn lǎobǎn méiyǒu zhíjiē kāichú yuánlǎo, érshì lái le ge bēijiǔ shì bīngquán.

Rather than fire the old guard outright, the new boss eased them out of power with perks.

Tips

history

In 961, a year after his troops made him emperor in the 陈桥兵变, 赵匡胤 held a banquet for his leading generals, 石守信 among them. Over wine he asked what they would do if their own men one day forced the yellow robe on them too (黄袍加身). The next day they all pleaded illness and gave up their commands, and he rewarded them generously.

Stroke Order

杯 bēi

酒 jiǔ

释 shì

兵 bīng

权 quán