挾 (xié) - To hold under the arm & to coerce

挾Tone 2

xié ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

挾 · xié

To hold under the arm;

to coerce;

to harbor (feelings);

to take advantage of.

To hold under the armto coerceto harbor (feelings)

Usage highlights

Coerce the emperor to command the noblesHarbor resentmentHold under the armTake advantage of powerAbductHarbor a private grudge

Synonyms

  • 持— to hold
  • 挟持— to hold under duress; to coerce
  • 胁迫— to coerce; to compel

Antonyms

  • 释— to release; to let go
  • 放— to release; to set free

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He held the book under his arm (挟着一本书).
  • The powerful minister coerced the emperor (挟天子以令诸侯).
  • She harbored a deep-seated resentment (挟恨).

Collocations

  • Coerce the emperor to command the nobles(挟天子以令诸侯)
  • Harbor resentment(挟恨)
  • Hold under the arm(挟持)
  • Take advantage of power(挟势)
  • Abduct(挟持)
  • Harbor a private grudge(挟私)

Idioms

  • Coerce the emperor to command the nobles(挟天子以令诸侯)
  • Harbor a private grudge(挟私报复)
  • Rely on power to bully others(挟权倚势)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The idiom '挟天子以令诸侯' is historically associated with Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period, describing a strategy of controlling the nominal ruler to gain legitimacy and command others.
  • The character often carries a negative connotation of coercion, abuse of power, or harboring ill intentions.
  • Its use in names is rare due to these strong associations with force and manipulation.

FAQ