火中取栗
火中取栗 (huǒ zhōng qǔ lì) literally means “take chestnuts from fire” and expresses “used by others”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: huo zhong qu li, huo zhong qu li,火中取栗 meaning, 火中取栗 in english
Used by others
Pronunciation: huǒ zhōng qǔ lì Literal meaning: Take chestnuts from fire
Origin & Usage
This one is not Chinese in origin. It comes from La Fontaine's fable of the monkey who flatters the cat into pulling (取) roasting chestnuts (栗) out of the fire (火中), eating each one as it arrives while the cat burns its paw for nothing. The story entered Chinese through translation and settled into four characters. The phrase always describes the cat, not the monkey: it is used of someone taking the risk and the injury in an operation whose benefit goes to somebody else.
Examples
English: "He always finds a way to benefit while others do the hard work."
Chinese: 他总是能在别人辛苦时捞到好处。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
不寒而栗
bù hán ér lì
Fear-induced shivering
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混水摸鱼
hún shuǐ mō yú
Exploit chaos
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将计就计
jiāng jì jiù jì
Turn the enemy's own plot against him
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锦囊妙计
jǐn náng miào jì
Prepared clever strategy
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里应外合
lǐ yìng wài hé
An inside accomplice working with an outside force
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纵横捭阖
zòng héng bǎi hé
Strategic maneuvering
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坐收渔利
zuò shōu yú lì
Benefit from others' conflict
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长袖善舞
cháng xiù shàn wǔ
Skilled maneuvering
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 火中取栗 mean in English?
火中取栗 (huǒ zhōng qǔ lì) literally translates to “Take chestnuts from fire” and is used to express “Used by others”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 火中取栗 used?
Situation: He always finds a way to benefit while others do the hard work.
What is the pinyin for 火中取栗?
The pinyin pronunciation for 火中取栗 is “huǒ zhōng qǔ lì”.