四面楚歌 surrounded by enemies on all sides
Explanation
这个成语比喻陷入四面受敌、孤立无援的境地。
This idiom means to be in a situation where you are surrounded by enemies and feel isolated and helpless.
Origin Story
楚汉相争时期，项羽攻占秦都以后，烧杀掳掠，人民怨声载道。汉王刘邦趁机出击想衣锦还乡的项羽，让大军把项羽围在垓下，并设下“四面楚歌”之计，项羽以为汉军已经攻占楚地，以为天要灭他，只好边饮酒边唱歌，悲壮自刎身亡。
During the period of the struggle between Chu and Han, Xiang Yu conquered the Qin capital, looted and murdered, causing widespread resentment among the people. Han King Liu Bang took the opportunity to attack Xiang Yu, who was trying to return home in triumph. He sent his army to surround Xiang Yu at Gaixia, and set a trap where the soldiers sang Chu songs from all sides. Xiang Yu thought that the Han army had already captured the territory of Chu, and thought he was doomed, so he drank and sang, and tragically committed suicide.
Usage
形容陷入孤立无援、四面受敌的困境，也比喻一个人在事业、生活上遇到很大困难，举步维艰。
Describes a situation where you are surrounded by enemies and feel isolated and helpless. It can also be used to describe someone who is facing great difficulties in their career, life or studies and is in a difficult situation.
Examples
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他面临四面楚歌的局面，感到十分孤立无助。
tā miàn lín sì miàn chǔ gē de jú miàn, gǎn dào fēi cháng gū lì wú zhù.
He is facing a situation where he is surrounded by enemies and feels very isolated and helpless.
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这个项目遇到困难，让我们陷入四面楚歌的境地。
zhè ge xiàng mù yù dào kùn nan, ràng wǒ men ruì rù sì miàn chǔ gē de jìng dì.
This project has encountered difficulties, putting us in a situation where we are surrounded by enemies.