Master Chinese idioms about strategic thinking, decisive action, and tactical wisdom. These chengyu teach the art of effective planning and execution.
101 idioms in this category
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xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
“Bamboo ready in heart”
Have clear plan beforehand
This idiom originated from Southern Song Dynasty painter Wen Yuke's approach to bamboo painting. Before touching brush to paper, he would completely v...
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bù bù wéi yíng
“Each step make camp”
Advance methodically with caution
This strategic approach emerged from Han Dynasty military manuals, describing armies that established (为) a secure camp (营) with each step (步步) of the...
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tuì bì sān shè
“Retreat three camps”
Make concessions to avoid conflict
This strategic idiom describes voluntarily retreating (退避) three (三) camp-distances (舍) to avoid conflict, originating from the Spring and Autumn peri...
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páng qiāo cè jī
“Knock side hit flank”
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
This subtle approach describes knocking (敲) from the side (旁) and striking (击) from the flank (侧) rather than direct confrontation, originating from T...
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àn dù chén cāng
“Secretly cross Chencang”
Achieve secretly through misdirection
This strategic idiom refers to secretly (暗) crossing/passing (度) through Chencang (陈仓), originating from Han Xin's famous military maneuver during the...
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fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
“Remove firewood under pot”
Eliminate root cause of problem
This practical idiom describes removing (抽) firewood (薪) from under (底) a cooking pot (釜), originating from Wei-Jin period practical wisdom. Unlike dr...
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tuī bō zhù lán
“Push waves, aid ripples”
Amplifying existing trends or momentum
This amplifying idiom describes pushing (推) waves (波) and helping (助) ripples (澜), originating from Southern Dynasty poetry. It initially described ho...
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yù bàng xiāng zhēng
“Snipe clam mutual fight”
Mutual conflict benefits third party
This cautionary tale depicts a snipe (鹬) and clam (蚌) in mutual (相) combat (争), originating from the 'Strategies of the Warring States' around 300 BCE...
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jīn gē tiě mǎ
“Gold spears iron horses”
Magnificent military might and valor
This martial idiom paints a scene of golden (金) spears (戈) and iron (铁) horses (马), first appearing in Li Bai's famous Tang Dynasty poetry describing ...
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yǔ hǔ móu pí
“With tiger plot skin”
Asking someone to sacrifice their core interests
Originating from the 'Strategies of the Warring States' around 300 BCE, the phrase describes the futility of discussing with a tiger (与虎) about acquir...
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yuán mù qiú yú
“Climb tree seek fish”
Using completely wrong method for a task
Mencius first used this vivid image of climbing trees (缘木) to catch fish (求鱼) in the 4th century BCE, criticizing approaches that ignore natural princ...
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zhēn fēng xiāng duì
“Needle points facing each other”
Sharp, direct confrontation in argument
Military tacticians of the Southern and Northern Dynasties first used this image of needle points (针锋) directly facing each other (相对) to describe pre...
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zhěn gē dài dàn
“Pillow spear await dawn”
Maintain high vigilance awaiting challenge
Among the ancient verses of the 'Book of Songs' (1000-600 BCE), this image of soldiers using spears as pillows (枕戈) while awaiting dawn (待旦) captured ...
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zhí dǎo huáng lóng
“Directly attack Yellow Dragon”
Strike directly at the heart of enemy territory
General Yue Fei's determination to recapture northern territories gave birth to this bold strategy of striking directly (直捣) at the Yellow Dragon (黄龙)...
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àn jiàn shāng rén
“Hidden arrow wounds person”
Covert attacks avoiding direct confrontation
This idiom originated from Tang Dynasty descriptions of battlefield ambush tactics before entering broader usage through Song Dynasty records of court...
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àn tú suǒ jì
“Follow map seek fine horse”
Rigidly following outdated methods
This idiom originated from the 'Han Feizi' text of the Warring States period, telling of a man seeking an exceptional steed named Ji using only an old...
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bèi shuǐ yī zhàn
“Back to water one battle”
Fight with total commitment having no retreat
This idiom originated from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' account of Han Xin's 204 BCE victory. This brilliant general deliberately trapped his ...
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shā jī qǔ luǎn
“Kill chicken take eggs”
Sacrifice long-term benefits for short-term gains
This idiom originated from Han Dynasty agricultural maxims, first appearing in economic discussions warning against sacrificing productive assets for ...
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qī shǒu bā jiǎo
“Seven hands eight feet”
Many people busily working together in disorder
Tang Dynasty temple construction projects gave birth to this vivid phrase describing numerous hands (七手) and feet (八脚) moving simultaneously. The imag...
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xiǎo xīn yì yì
“Small heart wing wing”
Act with extreme caution and care
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...
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bù yuē ér tóng
“Not arrange yet same”
Arrive at same point without coordination
Eastern Han historians first noted this phenomenon of actions that without (不) prior arrangement (约) nevertheless occur identically (同) when documenti...
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chàng kōng chéng jì
“Perform empty city strategy”
Use bold confidence to mask vulnerability
The 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' immortalized Zhuge Liang's empty city strategy (空城计), where performing (唱) apparent confidence masked real vulnera...
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chéng fēng pò làng
“Ride wind break waves”
Boldly forge ahead through adversity
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...
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hòu gù zhī yōu
“Backward glance's worry”
Concerns about hidden vulnerabilities
Ancient military strategists coined this phrase about worries (忧) from looking back (后顾), emphasizing how unaddressed vulnerabilities can paralyze for...
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sì tōng bā dá
“Connected in four directions, reaching in eight”
Extending in all directions; well-connected
This idiom originated during the Warring States period and appears in 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记). It describes roads or passages that conne...
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zhēng fēn duó miǎo
“Fighting for minutes and seizing seconds”
Race against time; make every second count
This modern idiom emerged during China's industrialization period in the 20th century, reflecting the urgency of national development. It combines 'fi...
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shì bù kě dǎng
“Momentum that cannot be blocked”
Unstoppable; irresistible momentum
This idiom originated in military contexts during the Three Kingdoms period, describing armies with such overwhelming momentum (势) that they could not...
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luò huā liú shuǐ
“Falling flowers and flowing water”
Utter defeat; scattered in disarray
This poetic idiom originally described the beautiful natural scene of fallen petals floating on flowing streams, appearing in Tang Dynasty poetry as a...
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yíng rèn ér jiě
“Split apart upon meeting the blade”
Easily solved once properly approached
This idiom originates from the Jin Dynasty general Du Yu's description of his military campaign, where he likened enemy resistance to bamboo that spli...
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tiě zhèng rú shān
“Iron evidence like a mountain”
Irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof
This idiom describes evidence that is as solid as iron (铁) and as immovable as a mountain (如山). The combination of these two images emphasizes both th...
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wú zhōng shēng yǒu
“Create something from nothing”
Fabricate; create from nothing
This idiom has dual origins. Philosophically, it derives from the Daoist concept in 'Tao Te Ching' that all things emerge from nothingness (无) to exis...
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shì rú pò zhú
“Momentum like splitting bamboo”
Irresistible momentum; sweeping advance
This idiom comes from the Jin Dynasty general Du Yu, who compared his army's advance to splitting bamboo (破竹) - once the first section splits, the res...
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yáng cháng bì duǎn
“Promote strengths avoid weaknesses”
Play to one's strengths
This idiom advises promoting (扬) one's strengths (长) while avoiding (避) weaknesses (短). The phrase embodies practical wisdom about focusing on advanta...
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chéng shàng qǐ xià
“Continuing above and opening below”
Serve as a link between preceding and following
This idiom describes continuing (承) from above (上) while opening/initiating (启) what's below (下). It originated in literary criticism describing trans...
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suí jī yìng biàn
“Follow opportunity respond to change”
Adapt to circumstances; think on one's feet
This idiom describes following (随) opportunities (机) and responding (应) to changes (变). It emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in the face of evol...
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yī láo yǒng yì
“One labor forever ease”
Solve a problem once and for all
This idiom describes one (一) effort (劳) that brings forever (永) ease (逸). It originated in Han Dynasty texts discussing efficient governance - solving...
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bǎi nián dà jì
“Hundred-year great plan”
Long-term plan; matter of lasting importance
This idiom describes a great (大) plan (计) spanning a hundred (百) years (年). It emphasizes long-term thinking and planning that extends beyond immediat...
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dāng jī lì duàn
“Face opportunity immediately decide”
Make a prompt decision
This idiom describes facing (当) an opportunity or moment (机) and immediately (立) deciding (断). It praises decisive action that seizes the moment witho...
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jū ān sī wēi
“Dwelling in peace think of danger”
Be prepared for danger in times of safety
This idiom advises thinking of (思) danger (危) while dwelling in (居) peace (安). It comes from 'Zuozhuan,' an ancient Chinese chronicle, warning against...
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àn bù jiù bān
“Follow departments and classes”
Follow established procedures; step by step
This idiom describes following (按就) proper departments (部) and classes or sequences (班). It emphasizes methodical procedure following established orde...
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lìng pì xī jìng
“Separately open a side path”
Find an alternative approach; think outside the box
This idiom describes separately (另) opening (辟) a side path (蹊径) - finding an alternative route. It praises creative problem-solving that avoids direc...
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bù gōng zì pò
“Without attack self-collapse”
Collapse without being attacked; self-defeating
This idiom describes something collapsing (破) by itself (自) without (不) attack (攻). Originally a military term for fortifications so weak they crumble...
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yī jǔ liǎng dé
“One action two gains”
Kill two birds with one stone
This idiom describes one (一) action (举) yielding two (两) gains (得). It celebrates efficiency that achieves multiple objectives simultaneously. The phr...
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lì bīng mò mǎ
“Sharpen weapons and feed horses”
Make thorough preparations; get ready for action
This idiom describes sharpening (厉) weapons (兵) and feeding (秣) horses (马). It originated from ancient military preparations where armies would ensure...
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shēng dōng jī xī
“Make noise in east, strike in west”
Create a diversion; use misdirection
This idiom describes making noise (声) in the east (东) while striking (击) in the west (西). It is one of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, describing tactical ...
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yǐ tuì wéi jìn
“Use retreat as advance”
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
This idiom describes using (以) retreat (退) as (为) advance (进). It embodies Daoist and strategic wisdom that apparent weakness can become strength. By ...
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wéi wèi jiù zhào
“Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao”
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
This idiom refers to besieging (围) Wei (魏) to rescue (救) Zhao (赵). During the Warring States period, when Wei attacked Zhao, strategist Sun Bin advise...
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yù qín gù zòng
“Wishing to capture, first let go”
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
This idiom describes wanting (欲) to capture (擒) but intentionally (故) letting go (纵). It is one of the Thirty-Six Stratagems where releasing a target ...
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wěn zhā wěn dǎ
“Stable camp, stable attack”
Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
This idiom describes establishing stable (稳) camps (扎) and making stable (稳) attacks (打). From military strategy emphasizing secure foundations before...
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shì zài bì xíng
“Circumstances demand it must be done”
Be imperative; must be done
This idiom describes circumstances (势) being such that (在) action must (必) be taken (行). It depicts situations where conditions make action unavoidabl...
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tiān luó dì wǎng
“Nets of heaven and earth”
Inescapable net; dragnet
This idiom describes nets (罗/网) of heaven (天) and earth (地). It depicts an inescapable trap covering all directions. The phrase was used for comprehen...
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mì bù tòu fēng
“So dense wind cannot penetrate”
Airtight; impenetrable
This idiom describes being so dense (密) that wind (风) cannot (不) penetrate (透). It depicts impenetrable barriers or extremely tight security. The phra...
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wàn wú yī shī
“Ten thousand without one failure”
Absolutely sure; foolproof
This idiom describes ten thousand (万) attempts without (无) one (一) failure (失). It depicts absolute reliability with no margin for error. The phrase w...
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xiān fā zhì rén
“Act first to control others”
Seize initiative
The idiom 先发制人 (xiān fā zhì rén) originates from the historical context of the late Qin Dynasty, as recorded in the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (...
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hòu fā zhì rén
“Act later to control others”
Strategic patience
The idiom 后发制人 (hòu fā zhì rén) originates from the Warring States period text 《荀子·议兵》, attributed to the philosopher Xunzi and his disciples. The phr...
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bīng bù yàn zhà
“Warfare does not spurn deceit”
Strategic deception
The idiom 兵不厌诈 (bīng bù yàn zhà) originates from the Warring States period, specifically from the text 《韩非子》 (Hán Fēi Zǐ). It recounts a story involvi...
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zhī jǐ zhī bǐ
“Know yourself, know others”
Strategic insight
The idiom 知己知彼 (zhī jǐ zhī bǐ) originates from the classic military treatise 《孙子兵法》 (The Art of War) by Sun Tzu, a renowned military strategist from t...
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chū qí zhì shèng
“Use surprise to win”
Unexpected strategy
The idiom 出奇制胜 (chū qí zhì shèng) originates from the ancient military text 《孙子兵法》 (The Art of War) by Sun Tzu during the Spring and Autumn period. It...
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bì shí jiù xū
“Avoid the strong, attack the weak”
Strategic evasion
The idiom 避实就虚 (bì shí jiù xū) originates from the ancient Chinese military text, 《孙子兵法》 (The Art of War) by Sun Tzu, specifically from the chapter on...
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diào hǔ lí shān
“Lure tiger from mountain”
Divert and conquer
The idiom 调虎离山 (diào hǔ lí shān) originates from the classic military text 《三十六计》 (Thirty-Six Stratagems), specifically the strategy of luring the tig...
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dǎ cǎo jīng shé
“Hit grass startle snake”
Alert the enemy
The idiom 打草惊蛇 (dǎ cǎo jīng shé) originates from a story during the Southern Tang dynasty. A county magistrate named Wang Lu was known for his corrupt...
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jiè dāo shā rén
“Kill with a borrowed knife”
Indirect manipulation
The idiom 借刀杀人 (jiè dāo shā rén) is a strategic concept from the ancient Chinese military text 'The Thirty-Six Stratagems' (三十六计), specifically the th...
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chèn huǒ dǎ jié
“Take advantage of fire to rob”
Exploit vulnerability
The idiom 趁火打劫 (chèn huǒ dǎ jié) originates from the ancient Chinese military text 《三十六计》 (Thirty-Six Stratagems), specifically the fifth stratagem. I...
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jīn chán tuō qiào
“Golden cicada sheds shell”
Strategic escape
The idiom 金蝉脱壳 (jīn chán tuō qiào) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature and does not have a specific origin story tied to a historical tex...
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shùn shǒu qiān yáng
“Conveniently lead away a sheep”
Exploit small opportunities
The idiom 顺手牵羊 (shùn shǒu qiān yáng) originates from the ancient Chinese military text 《三十六计》 (Thirty-Six Stratagems), specifically the strategy of ex...
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mán tiān guò hǎi
“Deceive heaven, cross sea”
Disguise true intentions
The idiom 瞒天过海 (mán tiān guò hǎi) originates from the first stratagem of the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems' (三十六计). The story is linked to the Tang Dynasty, ...
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lǐ dài táo jiāng
“Plum replaces peach”
Substitute or take the fall
The idiom 李代桃僵 (lǐ dài táo jiāng) originates from a poem in the 乐府诗集 (Yuèfǔ Shījí), which describes the rise and fall of a family during the Han dynas...
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fǎn kè wéi zhǔ
“Turn guest into host”
Seize control
The idiom 反客为主 (fǎn kè wéi zhǔ) originates from the historical context of the Three Kingdoms period, particularly involving the strategic maneuvers of...
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qín zéi qín wáng
“Capture thief capture king”
Target the leader
The idiom 擒贼擒王 (qín zéi qín wáng) originates from a line in the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu's work, which states, '射人先射马，擒贼先擒王' (shè rén xiān shè mǎ, qín ...
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guān mén zhuō zéi
“Shut the door catch thief”
Trap and eliminate
The idiom 关门捉贼 (guān mén zhuō zéi) is derived from the ancient Chinese military strategy found in the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems' (三十六计), specifically the...
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yuǎn jiāo jìn gōng
“Befriend distant, attack nearby”
Strategic prioritization
The idiom 远交近攻 (yuǎn jiāo jìn gōng) originates from the strategic counsel given by the advisor Fan Ju to King Zhaoxiang of Qin during the Warring Stat...
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jiǎ dào fá guó
“Borrow the way to attack Guo”
Exploitation through deception
This strategic idiom originates from the historical account in the 'Zuo Zhuan' (左传), a classical Chinese text. During the Spring and Autumn period, th...
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shù shàng kāi huā
“Flowers bloom on a tree”
Create favorable illusion
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 树上开花 (shù shàng kāi huā) is part of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, specifically the tenth strategy. It invol...
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kōng chéng jì
“Empty city strategy”
Strategic bluff
The idiom 空城计 (kōng chéng jì) originates from the classic Chinese novel 《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by 罗贯中 (Luo Guanzhong). The story takes...
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kǔ ròu jì
“Suffering flesh plan”
Self-sacrifice strategy
The idiom 苦肉计 (kǔ ròu jì) originates from the classic Chinese novel 《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by Luo Guanzhong. It tells the story of a c...
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lián huán jì
“Interlocking stratagems”
Complex strategic plan
The idiom 连环计 (lián huán jì) originates from the classic Chinese military text 《三十六计》 (Thirty-Six Stratagems), specifically the thirty-fifth stratagem...
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zǒu wéi shàng jì
“Retreat as the best plan”
Strategic retreat
The idiom 走为上计 (zǒu wéi shàng jì) originates from a historical event during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. It is associated with the rebellion l...
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yī wǎng dǎ jìn
“Capture all in one net”
Comprehensive approach
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 一网打尽 (yī wǎng dǎ jìn) paints a vivid image of capturing everything in one net. The phrase is often used ...
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wéi ér bù gōng
“Surround but do not attack”
Strategic patience
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 围而不攻 (wéi ér bù gōng) paints a vivid picture of a strategic military tactic. The characters 围 (wéi) mean...
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bì qí ruì qì
“Avoid enemy's vigor”
Strategic patience
This strategic idiom originates from the ancient military text 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu (孙子兵法). It advises military leaders to avoid (避, bì) confro...
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gū zhù yī zhì
“Stake everything on one throw”
All-in risk
The idiom 孤注一掷 (gū zhù yī zhì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where one stakes everything on a single ventur...
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lǐ yìng wài hé
“Inside support outside cooperation”
Coordinated collaboration
The idiom 里应外合 (lǐ yìng wài hé) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe a strategic collaboration where internal and external forces work to...
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shā yī jǐng bǎi
“Kill one warn a hundred”
Punish to deter others
The idiom 杀一儆百 (shā yī jǐng bǎi) originates from a story in the Eastern Han dynasty, as recorded in the 'Book of Han' (汉书) by Ban Gu (班固). It tells of...
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shēn xiān shì zú
“Lead by example”
Leadership by action
The idiom 身先士卒 (shēn xiān shì zú) originates from the historical text 《史记》 (Shǐjì) by Sima Qian, which recounts the valor of leaders who personally le...
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sǔn bīng zhé jiàng
“Lose soldiers and generals”
Suffer heavy losses
The idiom 损兵折将 (sǔn bīng zhé jiàng) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe a situation where both soldiers (兵) and generals (将) suffer loss...
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tóng qiáng tiě bì
“Copper wall iron wall”
Impenetrable defense
The idiom 铜墙铁壁 (tóng qiáng tiě bì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe something as impenetrable and indestructible. The char...
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tóu shǔ jì qì
“Throw mouse fear vessel”
Cautious action
The idiom 投鼠忌器 (tóu shǔ jì qì) originates from a story in the Han Dynasty, as recorded in the 'Book of Han' (汉书). A wealthy man, who cherished his ant...
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yǐ yì dài láo
“Conserve energy, wait for fatigue”
Strategic patience
The idiom 以逸待劳 (yǐ yì dài láo) originates from the strategic teachings of Sun Tzu in his work 《孙子·军争》 (The Art of War). It describes a military tactic...
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zòng héng bǎi hé
“Vertical and horizontal strategies”
Strategic maneuvering
The idiom 纵横捭阖 (zòng héng bǎi hé) originates from the teachings of the ancient strategist 鬼谷子 (Guiguzi), whose real name was 王诩 (Wang Xu). He was a ma...
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zuò shōu yú lì
“Sit and collect fishing profits”
Benefit from others' conflict
The idiom 坐收渔利 (zuò shōu yú lì) originates from a story in the Han dynasty text 《战国策》 (Zhànguó Cè). It tells of a confrontation between a clam (蚌, bàn...
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cháng xiù shàn wǔ
“Long sleeves good dance”
Skilled maneuvering
The idiom 长袖善舞 (cháng xiù shàn wǔ) originates from the Warring States period, specifically from the text 《韩非子·五蠹》 by Han Fei. It refers to the saying ...
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chéng xià zhī méng
“Treaty under the city walls”
Forced agreement
The idiom 城下之盟 (chéng xià zhī méng) originates from the historical account in the Spring and Autumn period, as recorded in the 'Zuo Zhuan' (左传). In 70...
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dà dāo kuò fǔ
“Big knife, broad axe”
Bold action
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 大刀阔斧 (dà dāo kuò fǔ) vividly depicts a scene of bold and decisive action. The phrase literally translate...
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fàng hǔ guī shān
“Release a tiger back to the mountain”
Empower a threat
The idiom 放虎归山 (fàng hǔ guī shān) originates from the historical context of the Three Kingdoms period, as recorded in the 《零陵先贤传》. The story involves ...
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gōng qí bù bèi
“Attack the unprepared”
Surprise attack
The idiom 攻其不备 (gōng qí bù bèi) originates from the ancient military text 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu (孙子兵法). It describes a strategy of attacking an ...
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hún shuǐ mō yú
“Fish in troubled waters”
Exploit chaos
The idiom 混水摸鱼 (hún shuǐ mō yú) originates from the classical Chinese military text 《三十六计》 (Thirty-Six Stratagems), specifically the stratagem of '混水摸...
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huǒ zhōng qǔ lì
“Take chestnuts from fire”
Used by others
The idiom 火中取栗 (huǒ zhōng qǔ lì) originates from a fable by Jean de La Fontaine, known as 'The Monkey and the Cat.' In this story, a monkey named Bert...
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jiāng jì jiù jì
“Use plan follow plan”
Counter with strategy
The idiom 将计就计 (jiāng jì jiù jì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a strategic maneuver where one uses an opponent's plan a...
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jǐn náng miào jì
“Silk pouch ingenious plan”
Prepared clever strategy
The idiom 锦囊妙计 (jǐn náng miào jì) originates from the classic Chinese novel 《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by Luo Guanzhong. In the story, the...
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