一劳永逸
一劳永逸 (yī láo yǒng yì) literally means “one labor forever ease” and expresses “solve a problem once and for all”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: yi lao yong yi, yi lao yong yi,一劳永逸 meaning, 一劳永逸 in english
Solve a problem once and for all
Pronunciation: yī láo yǒng yì Literal meaning: One labor forever ease
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes one (一) effort (劳) that brings forever (永) ease (逸). It originated in Han Dynasty texts discussing efficient governance - solving problems thoroughly so they don't recur. The phrase values definitive solutions over temporary fixes. It reflects the practical wisdom of investing effort upfront to avoid perpetual maintenance. Modern usage describes permanent solutions that eliminate recurring problems, though it can also be used critically when such solutions prove illusory.
Examples
English: "Investing in quality now will solve the problem once and for all."
Chinese: 现在投资高质量产品可以一劳永逸地解决问题。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一劳永逸 mean in English?
一劳永逸 (yī láo yǒng yì) literally translates to “One labor forever ease” and is used to express “Solve a problem once and for all”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 一劳永逸 used?
Situation: Investing in quality now will solve the problem once and for all.
What is the pinyin for 一劳永逸?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一劳永逸 is “yī láo yǒng yì”.