运筹帷幄

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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