小心翼翼
小心翼翼 (xiǎo xīn yì yì) literally means “small heart wing wing”and expresses “act with extreme caution and care”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.
Also searched as: xiao xin yi yi, xiao xin yi yi,小心翼翼 meaning, 小心翼翼 in english
Pronunciation: xiǎo xīn yì yì Literal meaning: Small heart wing wing
Origin & Usage
From the ancient verses of the 'Book of Songs' (1000-600 BCE) comes this image of approaching tasks with a cautious heart (小心) and bird-like alertness (翼翼). Court officials first used it to describe navigating treacherous political environments. Han Dynasty writers expanded its use to describe handling anything precious or fragile. The avian metaphor perfectly captured the combination of focused attention and readiness to retreat from danger. Modern conservators and diplomats still embody this careful approach where one wrong move could cause irreparable damage.
When to Use
Situation: The restoration expert handled the ancient manuscript with extreme caution
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Related Chinese Idioms
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wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
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mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
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Inescapable net; dragnet
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Stop at the right point; practice moderation
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Be imperative; must be done
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Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
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沽名钓誉
gū míng diào yù
Seek fame through calculated actions
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yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 小心翼翼 mean in English?
小心翼翼 (xiǎo xīn yì yì) literally translates to “Small heart wing wing”and is used to express “Act with extreme caution and care”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & Action category..
When is 小心翼翼 used?
Situation: The restoration expert handled the ancient manuscript with extreme caution
What is the pinyin for 小心翼翼?
The pinyin pronunciation for 小心翼翼 is “xiǎo xīn yì yì”.