急流勇进
急流勇进 (jí liú yǒng jìn) literally means “rapids bravely advance” and expresses “advance boldly through difficulty”. 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: ji liu yong jin, ji liu yong jin,急流勇进 meaning, 急流勇进 in english
Advance boldly through difficulty
Pronunciation: jí liú yǒng jìn
Literal meaning: Rapids bravely advance
Origin & Usage
This dynamic idiom describes bravely (勇) advancing (进) through rapid (急) currents (流), emerging from Tang Dynasty descriptions of skilled boatmen navigating the treacherous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. The phrase gained political significance during the Song Dynasty, when reformer Wang Anshi used it to encourage progressive policies against conservative resistance. The river metaphor resonated deeply in Chinese culture, where waterways represented both opportunity and danger. Unlike idioms advocating caution, it celebrates bold progress amid turbulent conditions. Modern usage often appears in business contexts describing companies that expand during economic downturns or individuals who advance careers during institutional upheaval.
Examples
English: "The startup aggressively expanded during market turbulence while competitors retreated"
Chinese: 当竞争对手退缩时，这家初创公司在市场动荡期间积极扩张
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 急流勇进 mean in English?
急流勇进 (jí liú yǒng jìn) literally translates to “Rapids bravely advance” and is used to express “Advance boldly through difficulty”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 急流勇进 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving advance boldly through difficulty.
What is the pinyin for 急流勇进?
The pinyin pronunciation for 急流勇进 is “jí liú yǒng jìn”.