10 Chinese Idioms About Bold Decisions & Taking Risks
Discover 10 powerful Chinese idioms about gambling everything, making daring moves, and the courage to take decisive action.
From ancient battlefields to modern boardrooms, Chinese idioms capture the spirit of bold, decisive action. These 10 chengyu describe moments when everything is on the line and courage is the only option.
孤注一掷
gū zhù yī zhìAll-in risk
Literal: Stake everything on one throw
The idiom 孤注一掷 (gū zhù yī zhì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where one stakes everything on a single venture. The phrase paints a vivid image of placing one's solitary bet (孤注) in a gamble, emphasizing the act of making a decisive and risky move (一掷). While...
Example
He decided to invest all his savings in the startup, believing it was his best chance for success.
他决定孤注一掷，把所有的积蓄都投资在这个初创公司上，认为这是他成功的最佳机会。
破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōuCommit with no retreat
Literal: Break pots sink boats
Originating from a famous historical event in 207 BCE, this idiom recounts how general Xiang Yu ordered his troops to break (破) their cooking pots (釜) and sink (沉) their boats (舟) before battling the Qin army. By eliminating the possibility of retreat, he created absolute commitment to victory. Duri...
Example
He quit his job to start a business, fully committed to success
他辞去工作创业，全身心投入追求成功
将计就计
jiāng jì jiù jìCounter with strategy
Literal: Use plan follow plan
The idiom 将计就计 (jiāng jì jiù jì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a strategic maneuver where one uses an opponent's plan against them. The phrase can be broken down into its components: 将 (jiāng, to use), 计 (jì, plan), 就 (jiù, to follow), and 计 (jì, plan). This idiom is o...
Example
He turned the tables on his opponent by using their own strategy against them.
他用对手的策略反击了他们。
身先士卒
shēn xiān shì zúLeadership by action
Literal: Lead by example
The idiom 身先士卒 (shēn xiān shì zú) originates from the historical text 《史记》 (Shǐjì) by Sima Qian, which recounts the valor of leaders who personally lead their troops into battle. A notable story involves Sun Fu during the Eastern Han period, who, in the battle for Lujiang, led his soldiers by exampl...
Example
The general always leads from the front, inspiring his troops to follow his bravery.
这位将军总是身先士卒，激励他的士兵们跟随他的勇气。
揭竿而起
jiē gān ér qǐGrassroots uprising
Literal: Raise pole and rise
The idiom 揭竿而起 (jiē gān ér qǐ) originates from the historical account of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang during the late Qin Dynasty. Discontent with the oppressive regime, these two leaders led a rebellion against the Qin by using simple tools as weapons and banners. The phrase literally means 'to raise a ...
Example
When faced with adversity, we must unite and take action.
面对逆境时，我们必须团结一致，行动起来。
里应外合
lǐ yìng wài héCoordinated collaboration
Literal: Inside support outside cooperation
The idiom 里应外合 (lǐ yìng wài hé) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe a strategic collaboration where internal and external forces work together to achieve a common goal. The phrase is composed of four characters: 里 (lǐ, inside), 应 (yìng, respond), 外 (wài, outside), and 合 (hé, cooperate)...
Example
The plan was successful because the team coordinated perfectly with external partners.
这个计划之所以成功，是因为团队里应外合。
杀一儆百
shā yī jǐng bǎiPunish to deter others
Literal: Kill one warn a hundred
The idiom 杀一儆百 (shā yī jǐng bǎi) originates from a story in the Eastern Han dynasty, as recorded in the 'Book of Han' (汉书) by Ban Gu (班固). It tells of a man named Yin Wengui (尹翁归), who was known for his integrity and courage. As a local official, he sought to uphold justice by targeting corrupt offi...
Example
The company decided to fire one employee as a warning to others about the importance of compliance.
公司决定杀一儆百，以警示其他员工遵守规定。
后生可畏
hòu shēng kě wèiYouthful potential
Literal: Younger generation admirable
The idiom 后生可畏 (hòu shēng kě wèi) originates from the Analects of Confucius (《论语》), specifically from the chapter 'Zi Han' (子罕). Confucius observed that young people possess qualities that make them worthy of respect and admiration. He noted that the potential of youth is vast, and they may surpass ...
Example
The new students impressed everyone with their innovative ideas and fresh perspectives
新生们以他们的创新想法和新鲜视角让大家刮目相看
以逸待劳
yǐ yì dài láoStrategic patience
Literal: Conserve energy, wait for fatigue
The idiom 以逸待劳 (yǐ yì dài láo) originates from the strategic teachings of Sun Tzu in his work 《孙子·军争》 (The Art of War). It describes a military tactic where one conserves energy (逸, yì) and waits for the opponent to become fatigued (劳, láo) before launching an attack. This strategy was famously empl...
Example
By preparing thoroughly, he was able to wait for the right moment to act without stress.
他充分准备，以逸待劳，轻松应对挑战。
投鼠忌器
tóu shǔ jì qìCautious action
Literal: Throw mouse fear vessel
The idiom 投鼠忌器 (tóu shǔ jì qì) originates from a story in the Han Dynasty, as recorded in the 'Book of Han' (汉书). A wealthy man, who cherished his antique jade bowl (玉盂, yù yú), once saw a mouse (鼠, shǔ) inside it. In his anger, he wanted to throw (投, tóu) a stone to kill the mouse but hesitated, fe...
Example
In negotiations, he was cautious, knowing that aggressive tactics could backfire.
在谈判中，他小心翼翼，因为知道激进的策略可能会适得其反。
Quick Reference
More Chinese Idiom Lists
10 Chinese Idioms About Deception & Clever Tricks
Explore 10 Chinese idioms about cunning strategies, deception, and outsmarting opponents - from ancient military tactics to everyday schemes.
10 Powerful Chinese Idioms for Business Success
Master these essential Chinese idioms (chengyu) to impress in business meetings, negotiations, and professional settings.
10 Inspiring Chinese Idioms About Success
Motivational Chinese idioms about achieving success, overcoming obstacles, and reaching your goals.
8 Chinese Idioms About Hard Work & Perseverance
Powerful Chinese idioms that celebrate diligence, persistence, and the value of hard work.
Learn Chinese Idioms Daily
Get a new Chinese idiom delivered to your home screen every day with our free iOS app. Features pinyin pronunciation, meanings, and cultural context.
Download Free App