There is truth to the saying that one slap cannot make a difference. Force is the effect of objects on objects, and the effects of forces between objects are mutual. The action of force must occur between two or more objects.

One slap can’t make a sound. Nowadays, it is mostly used in colloquialisms. It is a metaphor that conflicts and disputes are not caused unilaterally. Literally speaking, it means that if you want to make a sound, it is impossible to achieve it with just one hand.

From: Chapter 58 of "A Dream of Red Mansions" by Cao Xueqin of the Qing Dynasty.

Original text: A slap cannot make a difference, the old one is too unfair, and the young one is too hateful.

Interpretation: This matter cannot be caused by one person. The old one has his fault, and the young one also has his problems.

Extended information:

From the perspective of metaphorical interpretation, the scope of application of this sentence is too large and ignores the role of time (some things do not happen at the same time, but in sequence ), relatively absolute, is a personal subjective guess and judgment before the outcome of the matter is thoroughly and clearly understood (investigation and research on the facts).

Because it is a subjective matter, the measurement standards based on guesswork and judgment are related to many factors such as personal emotional likes and dislikes, experience reserves, knowledge levels, ways of thinking, etc.

Baidu Encyclopedia-One slap can’t make a sound