有条不紊
有条不紊 (yǒu tiáo bù wěn) literally means “have order not chaotic” and expresses “methodical and well-organized action”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Methodical and well-organized action
Pronunciation: yǒu tiáo bù wěn Literal meaning: Have order not chaotic
Origin & Usage
This orderliness idiom describes having clear threads (有条) without tangling (不紊), originating from Han Dynasty textile terminology. It first described proper silk thread management during weaving, where preventing tangling determined product quality. The metaphor was particularly apt in Chinese culture where silk production represented sophisticated civilization. During the Tang Dynasty, it transcended craft contexts to describe administrative organization. Modern usage spans emergency management to project coordination, describing processes that maintain logical sequence and clear relationships between components, particularly under pressure when disorganization threatens.
When to Use
Situation: Despite the emergency, the hospital staff handled the situation with methodical precision
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 有条不紊 mean in English?
有条不紊 (yǒu tiáo bù wěn) literally translates to “Have order not chaotic” and is used to express “Methodical and well-organized action”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 有条不紊 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving methodical and well-organized action.
What is the pinyin for 有条不紊?
The pinyin pronunciation for 有条不紊 is “yǒu tiáo bù wěn”.