乘风破浪(乘風破浪)
乘风破浪 (chéng fēng pò làng) literally means “ride wind break waves”and expresses “boldly forge ahead through adversity”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.
Also searched as: cheng feng po lang, cheng feng po lang,乘风破浪 meaning, 乘风破浪 in english
Pronunciation: chéng fēng pò làng Literal meaning: Ride wind break waves
Origin & Usage
Li Bai's bold verse from the Tang Dynasty - 'Straight ahead, ride the wind (乘风) and break through waves (破浪)' - gave us this dynamic image of progress through adversity. Originally maritime terminology, Song Dynasty writers transformed it into a broader metaphor for advancement through challenges. The nautical imagery perfectly captures the dual nature of progress - both harnessing favorable forces while actively overcoming resistance. Today it inspires entrepreneurs and innovators facing their own metaphorical seas.
When to Use
Situation: The startup boldly expanded during economic turbulence while competitors retreated
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
万无一失
wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
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密不透风
mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
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天罗地网
tiān luó dì wǎng
Inescapable net; dragnet
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势在必行
shì zài bì xíng
Be imperative; must be done
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稳扎稳打
wěn zhā wěn dǎ
Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
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欲擒故纵
yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
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围魏救赵
wéi wèi jiù zhào
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
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以退为进
yǐ tuì wéi jìn
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 乘风破浪 mean in English?
乘风破浪 (chéng fēng pò làng) literally translates to “Ride wind break waves”and is used to express “Boldly forge ahead through adversity”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & Action category..
When is 乘风破浪 used?
Situation: The startup boldly expanded during economic turbulence while competitors retreated
What is the pinyin for 乘风破浪?
The pinyin pronunciation for 乘风破浪 is “chéng fēng pò làng”.