Ma Sui

Ma Sui (Simplified Chinese: 马遂; Traditional Chinese: 馬遂; Pinyin: Mǎ Suí) is a term originating from Chinese folklore and popular culture, often used as a metaphor to describe someone who is overly ambitious or self-important, attempting tasks or holding positions beyond their capabilities or experience. It typically carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of necessary skills and a tendency towards overestimation of one's abilities, leading to potential failure or negative consequences for themselves and others.

The term is derived from the historical figure of Ma Su (馬謖), a strategist serving under Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Ma Su was entrusted with defending the strategically crucial Jieting (街亭) against the opposing Wei forces. Despite Zhuge Liang's specific instructions to fortify the location, Ma Su instead chose to position his troops on a hilltop without access to water, resulting in a devastating defeat and the loss of Jieting. Ma Su's failure had significant repercussions for Shu Han's military campaign. As a consequence of this historical event, the phrase "Ma Sui" is frequently invoked to warn against incompetence and the dangers of overreaching ambition.

While "Ma Sui" directly references Ma Su, it's not typically used as a direct equivalent to the name. Rather, it's used as a descriptive term to categorize a person exhibiting similar characteristics of hubris and mismanagement. The term is widely understood in Chinese-speaking communities and often used in conversations, writings, and media to convey the idea of someone being in over their head. The association with the historical account provides a clear and readily understood implication of potential disaster.