During the Warring States period, the small state of Cao was caught between the powerful states of Jin and Chu. Its ruler’s position was as precarious as a stack of eggs. In the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Ling of Jin indulged in pleasure and ordered the construction of a nine-story tower that dragged on for three years, causing great suffering to the people. His ministers dared not advise him. Xun Xi demonstrated the danger by stacking twelve chess pieces with nine eggs on top; the eggs soon fell and shattered, making the duke realize the precariousness and stop the construction.

Summary

  • Idiom: 事危累卵
  • Pinyin: shì wēi lèi luǎn
  • Literal Translation: a situation as precarious as stacked eggs
  • Extended Meaning: Describes an extremely dangerous situation that is unstable and liable to collapse at any moment.

Character Introduction

  • 晋灵公 (Duke Ling of Jin): A ruler who ignored the dangers of his extravagant projects until warned through a vivid demonstration.
  • 荀息 (Xun Xi): A wise minister who used a clever demonstration with eggs and chess pieces to warn the duke about the dangers.