Chinese word

想方设法

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiǎng fāng shè fǎ

Meaning

  • idiomtry every possible way

Example

为了通过考试，她想方设法准备资料。wèi le tōng guò kǎo shì tā xiǎng fāng shè fǎ zhǔn bèi zī liào

To pass the exam, she tried every possible way to prepare the materials.

Illustration for 想方设法 (try every possible way)

More examples

在困难面前，他总是想方设法寻找突破口。zài kùn nán miàn qián tā zǒng shì xiǎng fāng shè fǎ xún zhǎo tū pò kǒu

When faced with difficulties, he always tries every possible way to find a breakthrough.

Core concept

Determined movement toward a goal through whatever workable paths careful thinking can uncover.

Common phrases

  • 想方设法获得支持xiǎng fāng shè fǎ huò dé zhī chí

    try every possible way to gain support

  • 想方设法降低成本xiǎng fāng shè fǎ jiàng dī chéng běn

    try every possible way to lower costs

  • 想方设法寻找突破口xiǎng fāng shè fǎ xún zhǎo tū pò kǒu

    try every possible way to find a breakthrough

Similar words

千方百计qiān fāng bǎi jì: Finding and using numerous methods in an effort to accomplish a goal.
想尽办法xiáng jǐn bàn fǎ: Using all available means in an effort to solve a problem.

Definition in Chinese

尽力用各种方法达到目的或解决问题。jìn lì yòng gè zhǒng fāng fǎ dá dào mù dì huò jiě jué wèn tí

Word origin

想方设法 (xiǎngfāngshèfǎ, "think of ways and devise methods") builds a parallel sequence of considering a way and arranging a method, which gives the idiom its strong sense of sustained effort.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear an extreme promise in this idiom, but Chinese speakers can use it in ordinary situations to stress serious effort rather than literal use of every imaginable method.

Other meanings

  • find a wayidiom

Opposites

  • 束手无策shù shǒu wú cèbe helplessidiom

Word lists with this word