zhēn针needlefēng锋pointxiāng相each otherduì对oppose
to oppose each other point-to-point; to be at loggerheads
Literal meaning
needle (针) — point (锋) — each other (相) — oppose (对)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing confrontation.
Examples
Zài在biàn辩lùn论zhōng中，tā他men们zhēn针fēng锋xiāng相duì对，hù互bù不xiāng相ràng让。
In the debate, they were at loggerheads, neither willing to give in.
Liǎng两guó国guān关xì系jǐn紧zhāng张，cháng常cháng常zhēn针fēng锋xiāng相duì对。
The relationship between the two countries is tense, and they often confront each other.
Usage & nuances
Describes a situation of direct confrontation or opposition.
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