约法三章 Agree on three articles
Explanation
"约法三章"指的是订立简单的条款或协议，强调简洁明了，易于遵守。这个成语起源于汉高祖刘邦入关后，为了稳定人心，与关中父老约定三条简单的法律，即"杀人者死，伤人及盗抵罪"。
"Yuefa sanzhang" refers to establishing simple clauses or agreements, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and ease of compliance. This idiom originates from Han Gaozu Liu Bang's entry into Guan, in order to stabilize the hearts of the people, with the elders of Guan Zhong agreed on three simple laws, namely "killers will die, those who injure or steal will be punished."
Origin Story
秦朝末年，刘邦率领大军攻入关中，秦王子婴投降。为了安抚民心，刘邦没有在咸阳久留，而是退兵霸上，并召集当地父老乡亲。他向大家宣布废除秦朝的暴政，并与他们约法三章：杀人者死，伤人者为奴，偷盗者罚款。这三条简单的法律，简洁明了，易于遵守，深得百姓拥护。从此，关中地区安定下来，为刘邦日后称帝奠定了坚实的基础。约法三章的故事，也成为后世统治者治国安邦的典范。
At the end of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang led a large army into Guan-zhong, and Qin Prince Ying surrendered. To appease the people, Liu Bang did not stay long in Xianyang, but retreated to Bashang, and summoned local elders and relatives. He announced the abolition of the tyrannical rule of the Qin Dynasty, and agreed with them on three simple laws: Those who kill will die; those who injure will become slaves; those who steal will be fined. These three simple laws, simple and clear, easy to follow, were deeply supported by the people. From then on, the Guan-zhong region calmed down, laying a solid foundation for Liu Bang's later ascension to emperor. The story of Yuefa Sanzhang also became a model for future rulers.
Usage
用于比喻订立简单的、容易遵守的规章制度。
Used to illustrate simple and easy-to-follow rules and regulations.
Examples
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为了避免不必要的纠纷，我们事先约法三章。
wèile bìmiǎn bù bìyào de jiūfēn, wǒmen shìxiān yuēfǎ sān zhāng.
In order to avoid unnecessary disputes, we agreed on three articles beforehand.
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我们合作之前，必须约法三章，明确责任和权利。
wǒmen hézuò zhīqián, bìxū yuēfǎ sān zhāng, míngquè zérèn hé quánlì
Before we cooperate, we must agree on three articles to clarify responsibilities and rights.