不劳而获
不劳而获 (bù láo ér huò) literally means “reap without sowing” and expresses “unearned gain”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: bu lao er huo, bu lao er huo,不劳而获 meaning, 不劳而获 in english
Unearned gain
Pronunciation: bù láo ér huò Literal meaning: Reap without sowing
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 不劳而获 (bù láo ér huò) conveys the idea of reaping benefits without putting in the necessary work. The phrase is often used to criticize those who gain rewards or profits through the efforts of others rather than their own labor. The idiom paints a vivid image of someone who enjoys the harvest (获, reap) without having sown the seeds (劳, labor). In modern contexts, it is frequently applied to situations where individuals or groups exploit others' hard work for personal gain, such as in cases of corruption or exploitation. The idiom serves as a reminder of the value of hard work and the ethical implications of benefiting from others' efforts without contributing oneself.
Examples
English: "He expected to receive a promotion without putting in any hard work."
Chinese: 他期望不劳而获，得到晋升。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不劳而获 mean in English?
不劳而获 (bù láo ér huò) literally translates to “Reap without sowing” and is used to express “Unearned gain”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 不劳而获 used?
Situation: He expected to receive a promotion without putting in any hard work.
What is the pinyin for 不劳而获?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不劳而获 is “bù láo ér huò”.