# 势不两立

shì bù liǎng lì

Be unable to coexist in conflict

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The two positions cannot stand together

**Traditional Chinese:** 勢不兩立

**Register:** Forceful · formal

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

## When to use it

Describe irreconcilable opposition.

Too strong for ordinary competition or disagreement.

## Understanding the expression

Two positions cannot remain standing at the same time, so one seems to require the other's defeat. The expression describes an opposition viewed as irreconcilable. Modern use appears in serious conflict, strong moral declarations, or dramatic dialogue. It can be deliberate exaggeration in casual disputes. Because the phrase closes off coexistence, use it carefully: different interests often leave room for compromise even when the participants initially feel deeply opposed.

## Examples

小说中两派势不两立。

### Traditional Chinese

小說中兩派勢不兩立。

xiǎo shuō zhōng liǎng pài shì bù liǎng lì 。

The two factions in the novel are irreconcilable.

他们宣布与造假行为势不两立。

### Traditional Chinese

他們宣佈與造假行為勢不兩立。

tā men xuān bù yǔ zào jiǎ xíng wéi shì bù liǎng lì 。

They declared uncompromising opposition to falsification.

不同意见不必变成势不两立。

### Traditional Chinese

不同意見不必變成勢不兩立。

bù tóng yì jiàn bú bì biàn chéng shì bù liǎng lì 。

Different opinions need not become irreconcilable conflict.

两家公司并非势不两立，也能合作。

### Traditional Chinese

兩家公司並非勢不兩立，也能合作。

liǎng jiā gōng sī bìng fēi shì bù liǎng lì ， yě néng hé zuò 。

The two companies can coexist and cooperate.

## 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%8B%A2%E4%B8%8D%E5%85%A9%E7%AB%8B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=231&webMd=1&la=0)

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