功成身退
功成身退 (gōng chéng shēn tuì) literally means “merit achieved, person withdraws” and expresses “retire after achieving success”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: gong cheng shen tui, gong cheng shen tui,功成身退 meaning, 功成身退 in english
Retire after achieving success
Pronunciation: gōng chéng shēn tuì Literal meaning: Merit achieved, person withdraws
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes merit (功) achieved (成) and the person (身) withdrawing (退). From the Dao De Jing advising that the wise withdraw after accomplishing their work. The phrase embodies the wisdom of knowing when to step back. Modern usage describes graceful exits after achievement, the wisdom of retiring at one's peak rather than overstaying.
Examples
English: "After completing his mission, he quietly stepped aside."
Chinese: 完成使命后，他功成身退。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
融会贯通
róng huì guàn tōng
Master something completely
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学海无涯
xué hǎi wú yá
Learning is limitless
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知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
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举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
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温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
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画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
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读万卷书
dú wàn juǎn shū
Read extensively for knowledge
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抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 功成身退 mean in English?
功成身退 (gōng chéng shēn tuì) literally translates to “Merit achieved, person withdraws” and is used to express “Retire after achieving success”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 功成身退 used?
Situation: After completing his mission, he quietly stepped aside.
What is the pinyin for 功成身退?
The pinyin pronunciation for 功成身退 is “gōng chéng shēn tuì”.
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