锦囊妙计
锦囊妙计 (jǐn náng miào jì) literally means “silk pouch ingenious plan” and expresses “prepared clever strategy”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: jin nang miao ji, jin nang miao ji,锦囊妙计 meaning, 锦囊妙计 in english
Prepared clever strategy
Pronunciation: jǐn náng miào jì Literal meaning: Silk pouch ingenious plan
Origin & Usage
The idiom 锦囊妙计 (jǐn náng miào jì) originates from the classic Chinese novel 《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by Luo Guanzhong. In the story, the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang provides Liu Bei with three silk pouches (锦囊, jǐn náng) containing ingenious strategies (妙计, miào jì) to navigate a complex political situation involving Sun Quan and Zhou Yu. Each pouch was to be opened at a specific time, ensuring Liu Bei's success in both securing a marriage alliance and retaining control of critical territories. The idiom illustrates the importance of having well-prepared and timely strategies. In modern usage, it refers to having a clever plan ready to solve a problem.
Examples
English: "The strategist presented a brilliant plan that turned the tide of the battle."
Chinese: 这位战略家提出了一个巧妙的计划，扭转了战局。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
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退避三舍
tuì bì sān shè
Make concessions to avoid conflict
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
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釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
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推波助澜
tuī bō zhù lán
Amplifying existing trends or momentum
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鹬蚌相争
yù bàng xiāng zhēng
Mutual conflict benefits third party
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 锦囊妙计 mean in English?
锦囊妙计 (jǐn náng miào jì) literally translates to “Silk pouch ingenious plan” and is used to express “Prepared clever strategy”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 锦囊妙计 used?
Situation: The strategist presented a brilliant plan that turned the tide of the battle.
What is the pinyin for 锦囊妙计?
The pinyin pronunciation for 锦囊妙计 is “jǐn náng miào jì”.