# 强词夺理

qiǎng cí duó lǐ

Force an unreasonable argument through rhetoric

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Use forceful words to seize the argument

**Traditional Chinese:** 強詞奪理

**Register:** Critical · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Criticize twisting logic to appear right.

Strong wording alone is not faulty reasoning.

## Understanding the expression

Words are used to insist on being right rather than a way to examine truth. The phrase criticizes arguments that twist meanings, evade evidence, or force an unreasonable conclusion. Modern use often appears in disputes where one person refuses to concede a clear point. It is an accusation about reasoning, not volume alone. Explaining the actual contradiction helps distinguish genuine criticism from simply calling an opponent unreasonable because you disagree.

## Examples

别强词夺理，规则写得很清楚。

### Traditional Chinese

別強詞奪理，規則寫得很清楚。

bié qiǎng cí duó lǐ ， guī zé xiě dé hěn qīng chǔ 。

Do not twist the argument; the rules are clear.

他强词夺理，把迟到说成别人的错。

### Traditional Chinese

他強詞奪理，把遲到說成別人的錯。

tā qiǎng cí duó lǐ ， bǎ chí dào shuō chéng bié rén de cuò 。

He argues unfairly that his lateness is someone else's fault.

她不愿继续听强词夺理的辩解。

### Traditional Chinese

她不願繼續聽強詞奪理的辯解。

tā bú yuàn jì xù tīng qiǎng cí duó lǐ de biàn jiě 。

She refuses to hear more unreasonable excuses.

指出事实，不必强词夺理。

### Traditional Chinese

指出事實，不必強詞奪理。

zhǐ chū shì shí ， bú bì qiǎng cí duó lǐ 。

State the facts instead of forcing an argument.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BC%B7%E8%A9%9E%E5%A5%AA%E7%90%86)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=227&webMd=1&la=0)

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