四面楚歌(しめんそか)

しめんそか
noun, expression
surrounded by enemies; completely isolated
businessexpression
1. surrounded by enemies; completely isolated
Being in a situation where one is surrounded by opposition or hostility with no allies to turn to.
社内(しゃない)で四面楚歌(しめんそか)の状態(じょうたい)になった。
I found myself isolated and without allies at work.
四面楚歌(しめんそか)の中(なか)でも諦(あきら)めなかった。
Even when surrounded by enemies, I didn't give up.
政権(せいけん)は四面楚歌(しめんそか)に陥(おちい)っている。
The administration finds itself isolated on all sides.

FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)):
四面(しめん) (four sides/all directions) + 楚歌(そか) (songs of Chu)

Etymology

From the story of 項羽(こうう) (Xiang Yu), a military leader in ancient China. When his army was surrounded by the forces of 劉邦(りゅうほう) (Liu Bang), he heard the songs of his native 楚(そ) (Chu) coming from the enemy camp—meaning even his own countrymen had abandoned him.

Usage

Describes being in a desperate situation with no support, especially when former allies have turned against you. Often used in business and political contexts.

Common patterns

general
Added 2026.1.17 12:43 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
06000/06117_shimensoka