适可而止
适可而止 (shì kě ér zhǐ) literally means “when appropriate, then stop” and expresses “stop at the right point; practice moderation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: shi ke er zhi, shi ke er zhi,适可而止 meaning, 适可而止 in english
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
Pronunciation: shì kě ér zhǐ Literal meaning: When appropriate, then stop
Origin & Usage
Reaching what will do (适可) and then (而) halting (止). 适可 is the point of sufficiency — enough for the purpose, not the maximum available — so the phrase names a threshold rather than a limit. What it asks for is the recognition that the point has been reached, which is the difficult part. Eating, drinking, spending, joking and criticising — the standard thing said to somebody who is still going after the effect has been achieved.
Examples
English: "Moderation in all things is the path to balance."
Chinese: 凡事适可而止才能保持平衡。
Related Chinese Idioms
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Distort the substance to fit the form
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戛然而止
jiá rán ér zhǐ
Come to an abrupt halt
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得不偿失
dé bù cháng shī
Gains not worth the cost or sacrifice
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急于求成
jí yú qiú chéng
Be impatient for success; rush things
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功成身退
gōng chéng shēn tuì
Retire after achieving success
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见好就收
jiàn hǎo jiù shōu
Quit while ahead; take profits
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明镜止水
míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ
Clear and calm mind
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dāng wù zhī jí
Most urgent priority requiring immediate attention
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 适可而止 mean in English?
适可而止 (shì kě ér zhǐ) literally translates to “When appropriate, then stop” and is used to express “Stop at the right point; practice moderation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 适可而止 used?
Situation: Moderation in all things is the path to balance.
What is the pinyin for 适可而止?
The pinyin pronunciation for 适可而止 is “shì kě ér zhǐ”.