百发百中
百发百中 (bǎi fā bǎi zhòng) literally means “hundred shots hundred hits” and expresses “perfect accuracy every single time”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: bai fa bai zhong, bai fa bai zhong,百发百中 meaning, 百发百中 in english
Perfect accuracy every single time
Pronunciation: bǎi fā bǎi zhòng Literal meaning: Hundred shots hundred hits
Origin & Usage
This comes from the Strategies of the Warring States, on the archer Yang Youji of Chu, who could hit a willow leaf at a hundred paces so reliably that a hundred shots (百发) gave a hundred hits (百中). In the original a passer-by warns him that skill this great is exactly what will exhaust him, since he cannot afford a single miss. The idiom keeps the praise and drops the warning. Unfailing accuracy, in marksmanship and in judgement alike.
Examples
English: "The veteran investor made consistently successful decisions throughout the volatile market"
Chinese: 这位资深投资者在波动的市场中始终做出成功的决策
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
千锤百炼
qiān chuí bǎi liàn
Perfected through repeated refinement
Learn more →
百尺竿头
bǎi chǐ gān tóu
Already at a very high level of attainment
Learn more →
百思不解
bǎi sī bù jiě
Unable to understand despite much thought
Learn more →
百年大计
bǎi nián dà jì
Long-term plan; matter of lasting importance
Learn more →
百无聊赖
bǎi wú liáo lài
Utterly bored; at loose ends
Learn more →
目不转睛
mù bù zhuǎn jīng
Focus intently
Learn more →
聚精会神
jù jīng huì shén
Concentrate fully
Learn more →
惊天动地
jīng tiān dòng dì
Earth-shaking; tremendous
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 百发百中 mean in English?
百发百中 (bǎi fā bǎi zhòng) literally translates to “Hundred shots hundred hits” and is used to express “Perfect accuracy every single time”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 百发百中 used?
Situation: The veteran investor made consistently successful decisions throughout the volatile market
What is the pinyin for 百发百中?
The pinyin pronunciation for 百发百中 is “bǎi fā bǎi zhòng”.
Curated Lists Featuring 百发百中
10 Chinese Idioms With Hundred (百)
Powerful Chinese idioms featuring hundred - expressions of perseverance, completeness, and large quantities.
10 Chinese Idioms With Thousand (千) & Ten Thousand (万)
Grand Chinese idioms featuring thousand and ten thousand - expressions of vast scale and immense value.
SBTI POOR Personality — 5 Chinese Idioms for the Narrow Beam Type
SBTI POOR focuses hard and prioritizes ruthlessly. 5 Chinese idioms (chengyu) for this single-minded personality.