狡兔三窟
狡兔三窟 (jiǎo tù sān kū) literally means “clever rabbit has three burrows” and expresses “always have backup plans”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: jiao tu san ku, jiao tu san ku,狡兔三窟 meaning, 狡兔三窟 in english
Always have backup plans
Pronunciation: jiǎo tù sān kū
Literal meaning: Clever rabbit has three burrows
Origin & Usage
This strategic idiom describes how a clever (狡) rabbit (兔) maintains three (三) burrows (窟), originating from the Warring States period text 'Strategies of the Warring States.' It recounts advice from statesman Fan Li that one should never rely on a single refuge or strategy. The specific number three represented 'multiple' in classical Chinese numerology rather than a literal count. During the Han Dynasty, military strategists adopted this as a core principle of contingency planning. Unlike terms for simple cleverness, it specifically addresses preparedness through strategic redundancy. Modern usage emphasizes maintaining multiple options or fallback positions, particularly in competitive environments where adaptability and alternative approaches often prove crucial for survival and success.
Examples
English: "The experienced businessman maintained multiple backup plans for every venture"
Chinese: 这位经验丰富的商人为每个投资项目都准备了多个备用方案
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 狡兔三窟 mean in English?
狡兔三窟 (jiǎo tù sān kū) literally translates to “Clever rabbit has three burrows” and is used to express “Always have backup plans”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 狡兔三窟 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving always have backup plans.
What is the pinyin for 狡兔三窟?
The pinyin pronunciation for 狡兔三窟 is “jiǎo tù sān kū”.