一气呵成(一氣呵成)

Pronunciation: yī qì hē chéng Literal meaning: Complete in one breath

Origin & Usage

This idiom captures the aesthetic ideal of completing (成) something in a single (一) breath (气) or effort (呵), originating from classical Chinese calligraphy. Tang Dynasty art critics used it to praise works that displayed spontaneous perfection and natural flow. Historical accounts describe how master calligraphers could complete complex characters in one fluid motion, embodying both technical skill and spiritual harmony. Contemporary usage extends to any task executed with perfect flow and natural completion, from artistic performance to problem-solving, emphasizing the harmony between preparation and execution.

When to Use

Situation: The artist completed the masterpiece in one inspired session

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