How do you pronounce 后顾之忧?

后顾之忧 is pronounced as "hòu gù zhī yōu" in Mandarin Chinese.

后顾之忧

Q: What does 后顾之忧 mean?

后顾之忧 (hòu gù zhī yōu) literally means "Backward glance's worry" and metaphorically means "Concerns about hidden vulnerabilities". It belongs to the Strategy & Action category of Chinese idioms.

Q: When is 后顾之忧 used?

后顾之忧 is used when The general secured supply lines to prevent vulnerability during the advance.

后顾之忧 (hòu gù zhī yōu) literally means “backward glance's worry” and expresses “concerns about hidden vulnerabilities”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.

Also searched as: hou gu zhi you, hou gu zhi you,后顾之忧 meaning, 后顾之忧 in english

Concerns about hidden vulnerabilities

Pronunciation: hòu gù zhī yōu Literal meaning: Backward glance's worry

Origin & Usage

Ancient military strategists coined this phrase about worries (忧) from looking back (后顾), emphasizing how unaddressed vulnerabilities can paralyze forward progress. Han Dynasty political writers expanded it beyond warfare to describe any situation where background concerns prevent bold action. The psychological insight remains relevant - true confidence requires securing one's rear position.

Examples

English: "The general secured supply lines to prevent vulnerability during the advance"

Chinese: 将军确保补给线，以防进军过程中出现脆弱性

Related Chinese Idioms

Similar idioms about strategy & action

胸有成竹

xiōng yǒu chéng zhú

Have clear plan beforehand

Learn more →

步步为营

bù bù wéi yíng

Advance methodically with caution

Learn more →

退避三舍

tuì bì sān shè

Make concessions to avoid conflict

Learn more →

旁敲侧击

páng qiāo cè jī

Approach indirectly to achieve goal

Learn more →

暗度陈仓

àn dù chén cāng

Achieve secretly through misdirection

Learn more →

釜底抽薪

fǔ dǐ chōu xīn

Eliminate root cause of problem

Learn more →

推波助澜

tuī bō zhù lán

Amplifying existing trends or momentum

Learn more →

鹬蚌相争

yù bàng xiāng zhēng

Mutual conflict benefits third party

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 后顾之忧 mean in English?

后顾之忧 (hòu gù zhī yōu) literally translates to “Backward glance's worry” and is used to express “Concerns about hidden vulnerabilities”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.