急流勇退
急流勇退 (jí liú yǒng tuì) literally means “brave retreat from rapid current” and expresses “retire at the peak; know when to quit”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: ji liu yong tui, ji liu yong tui,急流勇退 meaning, 急流勇退 in english
Retire at the peak; know when to quit
Pronunciation: jí liú yǒng tuì Literal meaning: Brave retreat from rapid current
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes bravely (勇) retreating (退) from a rapid (急) current (流). It depicts the wisdom and courage needed to withdraw while circumstances are favorable. The phrase values knowing when to stop rather than being swept away. Modern usage describes the rare wisdom of leaving at one's peak, retiring from success before decline.
Examples
English: "He wisely left the company at the height of success."
Chinese: 他明智地在事业巅峰急流勇退。
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 急流勇退 mean in English?
急流勇退 (jí liú yǒng tuì) literally translates to “Brave retreat from rapid current” and is used to express “Retire at the peak; know when to quit”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 急流勇退 used?
Situation: He wisely left the company at the height of success.
What is the pinyin for 急流勇退?
The pinyin pronunciation for 急流勇退 is “jí liú yǒng tuì”.