扬长避短(揚長避短)
扬长避短 (yáng cháng bì duǎn) literally means “promote strengths avoid weaknesses”and expresses “play to one's strengths”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.
Also searched as: yang chang bi duan, yang chang bi duan,扬长避短 meaning, 扬长避短 in english
Pronunciation: yáng cháng bì duǎn Literal meaning: Promote strengths avoid weaknesses
Origin & Usage
This idiom advises promoting (扬) one's strengths (长) while avoiding (避) weaknesses (短). The phrase embodies practical wisdom about focusing on advantages rather than obsessing over deficiencies. It appeared in texts on governance and military strategy, advising leaders to deploy resources strategically. The concept aligns with both competitive strategy and personal development. Modern usage emphasizes practical self-awareness in career planning, team management, and strategic positioning.
When to Use
Situation: Good management means leveraging everyone's strengths while minimizing weaknesses.
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 扬长避短 mean in English?
扬长避短 (yáng cháng bì duǎn) literally translates to “Promote strengths avoid weaknesses”and is used to express “Play to one's strengths”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & Action category..
When is 扬长避短 used?
Situation: Good management means leveraging everyone's strengths while minimizing weaknesses.
What is the pinyin for 扬长避短?
The pinyin pronunciation for 扬长避短 is “yáng cháng bì duǎn”.