自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn)
A
Chinese proverb referring to
contradictory statements or
situations.
During the
Warring States period in the state of
Chu, there was a man who had a
spear and a
shield. He was trying to sell them in the marketplace and was loudly
boasting about the capabilities of each item.
"This long spear (矛; máo) is so sharp, it can
pierce through anything!"
"And this wooden shield (盾; dùn) lets nothing through; others name it the
Indestructible Shield!"
Then a
passerby decided to test him.
"What if you use your spear against your shield?"
"..."
Smart aleck.