大展宏图
大展宏图 (dà zhǎn hóng tú) literally means “greatly unfold a grand plan” and expresses “may you carry out your big ambitions”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: da zhan hong tu, da zhan hong tu,大展宏图 meaning, 大展宏图 in english
May you carry out your big ambitions
Pronunciation: dà zhǎn hóng tú Literal meaning: Greatly unfold a grand plan
Origin & Usage
A wish for someone about to pursue big ambitions. 大展 means to unfold or display on a large scale, and 宏图 is a grand plan or vision. The word 宏图 is old: Han Yu (韩愈) used it in a Tang memorial written on behalf of the chancellor Pei Du, praising the emperor for opening 中兴之宏图, 'the grand plan of restoration.' Some sources cite that memorial as the origin of the full phrase, but its text contains only 宏图, not 大展宏图. Zdic gives no classical citation for the four-character phrase, and the Taiwan Ministry of Education dictionary notes that it is mainly used to congratulate someone opening a business. At New Year, say it to colleagues, graduates, entrepreneurs or anyone starting a new venture.
Examples
English: "Before he moved to Shanghai to launch his start-up, his old manager wished him every chance to realise his big plans."
Chinese: 新的一年，祝你事业顺利，大展宏图！
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
励精图治
lì jīng tú zhì
Work hard to improve governance
Learn more →
奋发图强
fèn fā tú qiáng
Persevere for success
Learn more →
按图索骥
àn tú suǒ jì
Rigidly following outdated methods
Learn more →
唯利是图
wéi lì shì tú
Selfish pursuit of gain
Learn more →
大器晚成
dà qì wǎn chéng
Excellence develops with time
Learn more →
胆大心细
dǎn dà xīn xì
Courage balanced with careful attention
Learn more →
大显身手
dà xiǎn shēn shǒu
Fully display one's skill and ability
Learn more →
胸怀大志
xiōng huái dà zhì
Aim high
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 大展宏图 mean in English?
大展宏图 (dà zhǎn hóng tú) literally translates to “Greatly unfold a grand plan” and is used to express “May you carry out your big ambitions”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 大展宏图 used?
Situation: Before he moved to Shanghai to launch his start-up, his old manager wished him every chance to realise his big plans.
What is the pinyin for 大展宏图?
The pinyin pronunciation for 大展宏图 is “dà zhǎn hóng tú”.