明镜止水
明镜止水 (míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ) literally means “clear mirror still water” and expresses “clear and calm mind”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: ming jing zhi shui, ming jing zhi shui,明镜止水 meaning, 明镜止水 in english
Clear and calm mind
Pronunciation: míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ Literal meaning: Clear mirror still water
Origin & Usage
This metaphor comes from the Zhuangzi, which observes that no one takes their reflection from running water but from water that is still — 人莫鉴于流水而鉴于止水. A clear (明) mirror (镜) and still (止) water (水) both show what is in front of them exactly, and both do so only because nothing is disturbing them. The mind it describes is not empty but undistorted. What it names is the composure that lets somebody see a situation as it is, rather than as their own agitation is painting it.
Examples
English: "The experienced mediator maintained complete objectivity throughout the negotiation"
Chinese: 经验丰富的调解员在整个谈判过程中保持完全的客观性
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
明枪易躲
míng qiāng yì duǒ
Open threats easier than hidden
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明察秋毫
míng chá qiū háo
Perceive tiny details
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明哲保身
míng zhé bǎo shēn
Protect oneself from danger wisely
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吉祥止止
jí xiáng zhǐ zhǐ
Blessings settle where the mind is calm
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自作聪明
zì zuò cōng míng
Too clever for one's own good
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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水到渠成
shuǐ dào qú chéng
Success comes naturally
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如鱼得水
rú yú dé shuǐ
In perfect element
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 明镜止水 mean in English?
明镜止水 (míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ) literally translates to “Clear mirror still water” and is used to express “Clear and calm mind”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 明镜止水 used?
Situation: The experienced mediator maintained complete objectivity throughout the negotiation
What is the pinyin for 明镜止水?
The pinyin pronunciation for 明镜止水 is “míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ”.
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