有备无患

Pronunciation: yǒu bèi wú huàn Literal meaning: Preparedness averts disaster

Origin & Usage

The idiom 有备无患 (yǒu bèi wú huàn) originates from the ancient Chinese text 《尚书》 (Shang Shu), specifically from the section 《说命中》 (Shuo Ming Zhong). The phrase emphasizes the importance of preparation, suggesting that being well-prepared (有备, yǒu bèi) can prevent potential troubles or disasters (无患, wú huàn). A related story from the Spring and Autumn period involves the statesman Wei Jiang of the Jin state, who advised his ruler to always consider future dangers even during peaceful times. This advice reflects the idiom's core message: foresight and preparation are essential for avoiding misfortune. In modern usage, this idiom is often employed to encourage proactive planning in various aspects of life, from personal endeavors to professional projects.

Examples

English: "By planning ahead, she ensured that potential problems would not derail her project."

Chinese: 有备无患的原则让她的计划顺利进行。