运筹帷幄
运筹帷幄 (yùn chóu wéi wò) literally means “plan behind curtain” and expresses “plan strategy carefully”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: yun chou wei wo, yun chou wei wo,运筹帷幄 meaning, 运筹帷幄 in english
Plan strategy carefully
Pronunciation: yùn chóu wéi wò
Literal meaning: Plan behind curtain
Origin & Usage
Rooted in military strategy, this idiom describes making crucial decisions behind the curtains (帷幄) of a military command tent while planning (运筹) campaigns. It gained prominence through records of Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty, who was praised for his strategic planning abilities within his command tent before battles. The curtain (帷) created a private space where generals could analyze intelligence and devise strategies. Modern usage extends to business and political contexts, describing behind-the-scenes strategic planning and decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation before taking action.
Examples
English: "The CEO quietly developed the company's expansion strategy"
Chinese: 首席执行官在幕后静静地制定公司的扩张战略
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 运筹帷幄 mean in English?
运筹帷幄 (yùn chóu wéi wò) literally translates to “Plan behind curtain” and is used to express “Plan strategy carefully”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 运筹帷幄 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving plan strategy carefully.
What is the pinyin for 运筹帷幄?
The pinyin pronunciation for 运筹帷幄 is “yùn chóu wéi wò”.