自投罗网 to throw oneself into the net
Explanation
比喻自己陷入危险的境地。
A metaphor for getting into a dangerous situation by oneself.
Origin Story
话说三国时期，魏国名士曹植才华横溢，深受曹操喜爱。然而，他嗜酒如命，荒废朝政，逐渐失去了继承大业的机会。当曹丕称帝后，为了巩固自己的统治，将曹植的朋友丁仪囚禁了起来，名义上是封侯，实际上却是软禁。这使得曹植深感不安，他知道自己已经失去了与曹丕争夺皇位的可能，如同飞蛾扑火般，自投罗网，陷入政治斗争的险境。他写下著名的《野田黄雀行》：“不见篱间雀，见鹞自投罗。”借此来表达自己命运的无奈与悲凉。
During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Zhi, a talented scholar of the Wei Kingdom, was deeply favored by Cao Cao. However, his fondness for alcohol and neglect of state affairs gradually lost him the chance to inherit the great cause. After Cao Pi became emperor, in order to consolidate his rule, he imprisoned Cao Zhi's friend Ding Yi, nominally as a marquis, but in reality under house arrest. This made Cao Zhi feel uneasy, realizing that he had lost the opportunity to compete with Cao Pi for the throne, like a moth to a flame, he cast himself into the net, falling into the danger of political struggle. He wrote the famous "Ode to the Yellow Sparrows in the Wild Field": "No sparrows are seen in the fence, only hawks are seen throwing themselves into nets." This expresses the helplessness and sadness of his fate.
Usage
常用来形容一个人不顾危险，主动陷入困境。
Often used to describe someone who, regardless of danger, takes the initiative to get into trouble.
Examples
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他明知这是一个陷阱，却依然自投罗网。
ta mingzhi zheshiyige xianjing, que yiran zitou luowang
He knew it was a trap, but he still threw himself into it.
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不要自投罗网，要谨慎小心。
buya zitou luowang, yao jinchen xiaoxin
Don't throw yourself into the net, be careful.