“Calling a deer a horse,” or “zhi lu wei ma,” is famous Chinese idiom originating from the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC).
According to the story, Zhao Gao, the prime minister of the second emperor of the Qin Dynasty, once rode a deer on an outing with the emperor.
The emperor asked: “Prime Minister, why are you riding a deer?”
Zhao replied: “Your Majesty, this is a horse.”
The emperor said: “You are mistaken! That is clearly a deer!”
Zhao said: “If Your Majesty does not believe me, then let’s ask other officials for their opinion.”
When asked, some officials remained silent; others said it was a deer. Some, hoping to ingratiate themselves with Zhao, said it was a horse.
The emperor thus got confused and believed what Zhao said. Then Zhao executed all the officials who said it was a deer, making the rest terrified of him.
Since then, “calling a deer a horse” has been used as an idiom to describe someone deliberately reversing black and white, misrepresenting the truth, and distorting the facts for ulterior motives.
History now seems to repeat itself.
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