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고장난명 孤掌難鳴
One hand alone cannot make a clapping sound. It means that it is difficult to accomplish anything alone, as collaboration and mutual response are essential.
고장난명 (孤掌難鳴) means "One hand alone cannot make a clapping sound. It means that it is difficult to accomplish anything alone, as collaboration and mutual response are essential.". Originating from the 'Gongdo' chapter of the Han Feizi, this idiom uses the physical impossibility o
1 Meaning
고장난명 (孤掌難鳴) means “One hand alone cannot make a clapping sound. It means that it is difficult to accomplish anything alone, as collaboration and mutual response are essential.”.
The idiom 'Gojangnanmyeong' (孤掌難鳴) literally translates to 'a single palm cannot make a sound.' It emphasizes that significant achievements require cooperation and that even conflict cannot occur without an opponent.
2 Examples
A developer with a brilliant app idea struggles to bring the vision to life alone.
They form a team with a planner and a designer to combine their specialized expertise.
A project in a corporate setting stalls due to a lack of communication between departments.
The manager listens to the perspectives of other departments and builds a collaborative workflow to create synergy.
A social campaign is launched, but it fails to gain any traction or public response.
The organizers partner with influencers and civic groups to foster two-way communication and encourage public participation.
Which situation fits this idiom?
Pick the everyday scene where “고장난명” fits best.
3 Origin
4 Key Lessons
Great achievements are completed through cooperation, not through individual effort alone.
Since both conflict and harmony require a counterpart, we must respect the existence of others.
Recognizing one's own limitations and seeking help from those around you is a sign of true wisdom.
5 English Expression
English Vocabulary
echo
메아리, 울림
"The shout created a loud echo in the cave."
spark
불꽃, 번뜩임
"A single spark can start a big fire."
setting the pace
속도를 정하다, 선도하다
"The runner at the front is setting the pace for the race."
instantly
즉각적으로
"He recognized her instantly among the crowd."
6 Learn with Music
Related Idioms
고장난명
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