周瑜打黄盖 zhōu yú dǎ huáng gài

DEFINITIONS

  1. fig. with the connivance of both sides
  2. fig. by mutual consent
  3. cf Wu patriot Huang Gai submits to mock beating at the hands of General Zhou Yu to deceive Cao Cao 曹操 before the 208 battle of Redcliff 赤壁之戰|赤壁之战[Chi4 bi4 zhi1 zhan4]

CHARACTERS

周 zhōu Zhou dynasty; circumference
瑜 yú flawless gem or jewel
打 dǎ strike, hit, beat; fight; attack
黄 huáng yellow; surname
盖 gài cover, hide, protect