集腋成裘
集腋成裘 (jí yè chéng qiú) literally means “gather fur make coat” and expresses “small efforts make big results”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: ji ye cheng qiu, ji ye cheng qiu,集腋成裘 meaning, 集腋成裘 in english
Small efforts make big results
Pronunciation: jí yè chéng qiú Literal meaning: Gather fur make coat
Origin & Usage
This idiom originates from ancient Chinese furriers who gathered (集) small pieces of fur from animal armpits (腋) to make (成) a luxurious coat (裘). First recorded in Warring States period texts, it illustrated how seemingly insignificant items could, through accumulation and patience, create something valuable. The detailed craft metaphor resonated with Chinese philosophical emphasis on gradual progress and careful accumulation. Modern applications range from financial advice about saving to project management principles about breaking large goals into smaller tasks. It teaches that no contribution is too small when part of a larger vision.
Examples
English: "The charity reached its goal through thousands of small donations"
Chinese: 慈善机构通过成千上万的小额捐款达到了目标
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
一鸣惊人
yī míng jīng rén
Sudden, remarkable success
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百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
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水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
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门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
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天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qín
Heaven rewards diligence
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破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
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守时如金
shǒu shí rú jīn
Value time preciously
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青出于蓝
qīng chū yú lán
Student surpasses master
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 集腋成裘 mean in English?
集腋成裘 (jí yè chéng qiú) literally translates to “Gather fur make coat” and is used to express “Small efforts make big results”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 集腋成裘 used?
Situation: The charity reached its goal through thousands of small donations
What is the pinyin for 集腋成裘?
The pinyin pronunciation for 集腋成裘 is “jí yè chéng qiú”.
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