自相残杀 internecine strife
Explanation
指内部人员互相残杀，多指战争或权力斗争造成的内部冲突。
Refers to internal personnel killing each other, mostly internal conflicts caused by war or power struggle.
Origin Story
战国时期，七雄并立，各国为了争夺霸权，经常发生战争。其中，赵国和燕国曾爆发过一场激烈的战争。战争结束后，赵国虽然取得了胜利，但国内却因为权力之争，出现了自相残杀的局面。赵惠文王死后，他的儿子赵孝成王继位。赵孝成王即位之初，励精图治，一度使得赵国国力强盛。但是，赵孝成王后期宠信奸臣郭开，导致朝政腐败，内乱四起。大臣们为了争权夺利，互相倾轧，最终引发了激烈的内战。这场内战持续多年，赵国因此元气大伤，国力衰弱，最终被秦国所灭。这个故事告诉我们，自相残杀只会导致国家的衰败，而团结一致才能使国家兴盛。
During the Warring States period in ancient China, seven major states contended for hegemony, frequently engaging in wars. Among them, the states of Zhao and Yan once fought a fierce war. Although Zhao emerged victorious, internal power struggles led to internecine strife within the state. After the death of King Huiwen of Zhao, his son, King Xiaocheng, ascended the throne. Initially, King Xiaocheng ruled diligently and strengthened Zhao. However, in his later years he favored the treacherous official Guo Kai, resulting in corruption and unrest. Ministers fought each other for power, eventually leading to intense civil war. This prolonged conflict weakened Zhao, ultimately leading to its conquest by the Qin state.
Usage
通常用于形容内部冲突，战争或权力斗争。
Usually used to describe internal conflicts, wars, or power struggles.
Examples
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这支军队最终因为自相残杀而土崩瓦解。
zhè zhī jūnduì zuìzhōng yīnwèi zì xiāng cán shā ér tǔbēng wǎjiě
This army eventually collapsed due to infighting.
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内战导致国家自相残杀，民不聊生。
nèizhàn dǎozhì guójiā zì xiāng cán shā, mín bù liáo shēng
Civil war led to internecine strife and suffering.
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权力斗争常常导致自相残杀的悲剧。
quánlì dòuzhēng chángcháng dǎozhì zì xiāng cán shā de bēijù
Power struggles often lead to the tragedy of internecine conflict.