反客为主 turn the tables
Explanation
客人反过来成为主人。比喻由被动变为主动。
The guest becomes the host. It means to change from passive to active.
Origin Story
话说三国时期，诸葛亮巧用计谋，在与司马懿的对抗中，步步为营，将司马懿引入预设的埋伏圈，最终使其大军落入陷阱，反客为主，取得了决定性的胜利。这便是反客为主的经典案例，体现了诸葛亮卓越的军事才能和运筹帷幄的智慧。诸葛亮并没有正面硬碰硬，而是凭借过人的智慧，巧妙地利用地形和计谋，化被动为主动，最终取得了胜利。这个故事也告诉我们，在面对困难和挑战时，要善于思考，积极应变，才能掌握主动权，最终取得成功。 另一则故事发生在古代一个偏僻的小村庄里。一年一度的庙会开始了，村里人载歌载舞，热闹非凡。村外来了几个行脚僧人，衣衫褴褛，面容憔悴，看起来十分可怜。村长热情地邀请他们进村歇脚，并准备了一些简单的食物和水。僧人们起初只是默默地接受，但村长看到他们眼神中流露出的渴望和不安，便主动与其攀谈。得知他们是来自遥远的山区，为寻找失散的同伴而四处奔波，村长便将他们带到村里最大的庙宇，让他们暂时安顿下来。庙宇内香火鼎盛，村民们纷纷拿出自家酿制的米酒和丰盛的食物款待他们，僧人们也放下戒备，和村民们一起载歌载舞，共享这难得的节日盛宴。 起初是村民们热情款待僧人，但到了晚上，僧人们却主动开始为村民们演奏古老的乐器，讲述他们从山区带来的奇闻异事。村民们围坐在篝火旁，听着僧人们动人的故事，仿佛置身于另一个奇妙的世界。庙会之夜，充满了欢声笑语，村民和僧人之间的界限也渐渐模糊。最终，僧人们不再是受人施舍的客人，而是与村民们平等相处的伙伴，甚至成为了庙会中的主角。这个故事从一个简单的善举开始，最终实现了宾主身份的转换。它说明，真诚的对待和积极的行动，能够化解隔阂，拉近彼此距离，并最终反客为主，创造出和谐美好的氛围。
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang cleverly used strategies to outmaneuver Sima Yi in a military confrontation. By luring Sima Yi's troops into a pre-set ambush, Zhuge Liang achieved a decisive victory, turning the tables on his opponent. This is a classic example of 'turning the tables', demonstrating Zhuge Liang's exceptional military talent and strategic prowess. Instead of engaging in direct combat, Zhuge Liang skillfully used terrain advantage and clever strategies to transform a passive situation into an active one, ultimately achieving victory. Another story took place in a remote village. During their annual temple fair, the villagers were singing and dancing, enjoying the festive atmosphere. A group of traveling monks arrived, their clothes ragged and their faces weary. The village head warmly invited them to rest and offered simple food and water. At first, the monks quietly accepted the hospitality. However, noticing their longing and apprehension, the village head initiated a conversation. Learning they had traveled far from the mountains to find their missing companions, he took them to the largest temple in the village to rest. The temple was bustling with activity, and villagers eagerly shared homemade rice wine and bountiful food with the monks. Feeling at ease, the monks joined the villagers in singing and dancing, sharing the rare festival celebration. Initially, it was the villagers hosting the monks, but in the evening, the monks took the initiative, performing ancient music and sharing fascinating stories from their mountain home. The villagers gathered around a bonfire, captivated by the monks' tales, feeling transported to another world. The temple fair night was filled with laughter and joy, the line between host and guest blurred. Finally, the monks ceased being guests and became equal companions, even taking center stage at the festival. This story began with a simple act of kindness and culminated in a reversal of roles. It illustrates how sincere treatment and positive actions can bridge gaps, foster closeness, and ultimately, lead to 'turning the tables', creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
Usage
多用于比喻句中，表示由被动变为主动。
Mostly used in metaphors, expressing the change from passive to active.
Examples
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谈判中，他们本来处于劣势，但通过巧妙的策略，最终反客为主，赢得了主动权。
tanpan zhong, tamen ben lai chu yu lieshi, dan tongguo qiao miao de celüe, zhongyu fankè wei zhu, yingle le zhudongquan.
In the negotiation, they were initially at a disadvantage, but through clever strategies, they finally turned the tables and gained the initiative.
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他最初只是个小职员，但凭借努力和才华，几年后反客为主，成为了公司的领导。
ta zuichu zhishi ge xiao zhiyuan, dan pingjie nuli he caihua, ji nian hou fankè wei zhu, chengweile gongsi de lingdao
He was initially just a small employee, but through hard work and talent, a few years later he turned the tables and became a company leader.