南辕北辙(南轅北轍)
南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally means “driving south while heading north”and expresses “actions contrary to one's goals”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom & learning.
Also searched as: nan yuan bei zhe, nan yuan bei zhe,南辕北辙 meaning, 南辕北辙 in english
Pronunciation: nán yuán běi zhé Literal meaning: Driving south while heading north
Origin & Usage
This idiom comes from 'Strategies of the Warring States' (战国策). A man wanted to travel to the southern state of Chu but drove his carriage north. When asked why, he boasted of his fast horses, skilled driver, and ample provisions, failing to realize that these advantages would only take him further from his destination. The story illustrates how having resources means nothing if one's direction is fundamentally wrong. Modern usage describes actions that are counterproductive to stated intentions or methods that contradict desired outcomes.
When to Use
Situation: His business strategy was completely counterproductive to his stated goals.
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dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
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jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
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Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
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Handle with ease; have skill to spare
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Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
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shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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见好就收
jiàn hǎo jiù shōu
Quit while ahead; take profits
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jí liú yǒng tuì
Retire at the peak; know when to quit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 南辕北辙 mean in English?
南辕北辙 (nán yuán běi zhé) literally translates to “Driving south while heading north”and is used to express “Actions contrary to one's goals”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theWisdom & Learning category..
When is 南辕北辙 used?
Situation: His business strategy was completely counterproductive to his stated goals.
What is the pinyin for 南辕北辙?
The pinyin pronunciation for 南辕北辙 is “nán yuán běi zhé”.