势在必行
势在必行 (shì zài bì xíng) literally means “circumstances demand it must be done” and expresses “no longer optional”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: shi zai bi xing, shi zai bi xing,势在必行 meaning, 势在必行 in english
No longer optional
Pronunciation: shì zài bì xíng Literal meaning: Circumstances demand it must be done
Origin & Usage
The momentum (势) is such that (在) the thing must (必) go ahead (行). 势 is the force a situation has already accumulated — the same character as in 势如破竹 — so the argument being made is not that the action is wise but that conditions have removed the alternative to it. That is what makes the phrase useful, and also what makes it convenient: it presents a decision as an observation. Reforms and industry shifts, where a careful listener will notice it doing the work of an argument without making one.
Examples
English: "Digital transformation has become inevitable for the industry."
Chinese: 数字化转型已势在必行。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Push far enough and it turns
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势不可挡
shì bù kě dǎng
Unstoppable; irresistible momentum
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势如破竹
shì rú pò zhú
Irresistible momentum; sweeping advance
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虚张声势
xū zhāng shēng shì
Bluffing with fake display
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大公无私
dà gōng wú sī
Completely impartial without self-interest
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鞠躬尽瘁
jū gōng jìn cuì
Devote oneself completely; work until exhausted
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痛改前非
tòng gǎi qián fēi
Sincerely repent and reform
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各有所长
gè yǒu suǒ cháng
Different people, different strengths
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 势在必行 mean in English?
势在必行 (shì zài bì xíng) literally translates to “Circumstances demand it must be done” and is used to express “No longer optional”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 势在必行 used?
Situation: Digital transformation has become inevitable for the industry.
What is the pinyin for 势在必行?
The pinyin pronunciation for 势在必行 is “shì zài bì xíng”.