志在四方

Pronunciation: zhì zài sì fāng Literal meaning: Ambition in all directions

Origin & Usage

Chong'er, the exiled prince of Jin, had settled comfortably in Qi and shown no further interest in leaving. The Zuo Zhuan gives the reproach to his wife Jiang, who told him that a man's ambition (志) lies (在) in the four directions (四方) — and then had him carried out of the state while drunk, so that he could not refuse. He went on to become one of the great hegemons. The phrase keeps that edge. It is generally said to somebody who is settling for a small life within easy reach, and it means go, not merely aspire.

Examples

English: "With a clear vision, she set her sights on achieving greatness beyond her hometown."

Chinese: 她志在四方，立志要在更广阔的舞台上展现自己。