承上启下
承上启下 (chéng shàng qǐ xià) literally means “continuing above and opening below” and expresses “serve as a link between preceding and following”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: cheng shang qi xia, cheng shang qi xia,承上启下 meaning, 承上启下 in english
Serve as a link between preceding and following
Pronunciation: chéng shàng qǐ xià Literal meaning: Continuing above and opening below
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes continuing (承) from above (上) while opening/initiating (启) what's below (下). It originated in literary criticism describing transitional passages that connect previous content to what follows. The phrase emphasizes the crucial role of elements that bridge different levels or sections. It values connectors that maintain continuity while enabling progression. Modern usage commonly describes middle positions that transmit information and direction both upward and downward in hierarchies.
Examples
English: "Middle management serves as the bridge between executives and staff."
Chinese: 中层管理人员起着承上启下的作用。
Related Chinese Idioms
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胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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隔岸观火
gé àn guān huǒ
Observe troubles from safe distance
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步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
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退避三舍
tuì bì sān shè
Make concessions to avoid conflict
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
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釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 承上启下 mean in English?
承上启下 (chéng shàng qǐ xià) literally translates to “Continuing above and opening below” and is used to express “Serve as a link between preceding and following”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 承上启下 used?
Situation: Middle management serves as the bridge between executives and staff.
What is the pinyin for 承上启下?
The pinyin pronunciation for 承上启下 is “chéng shàng qǐ xià”.