Chinese word

胸有成竹

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiōng yǒu chéng zhú

Meaning

  • idiombe sure of success

Example

别担心，我对这个计划胸有成竹。bié dān xīn wǒ duì zhè ge jì huà xiōng yǒu chéng zhú

Don't worry, I am sure this plan will succeed.

Illustration for 胸有成竹 (be sure of success)

More examples

演讲前，他翻看提纲后显得胸有成竹，从容地开始讲话。yán jiǎng qián tā fān kàn tí gāng hòu xiǎn de xiōng yǒu chéng zhú cóng róng dì kāi shǐ jiǎng huà

Before the presentation, he looked confident after checking his outline and began speaking calmly.

Core concept

A clear plan for success is already formed before action begins, so confidence rests on preparation rather than hope.

Common phrases

  • 对这个项目胸有成竹duì zhè ge xiàng mù xiōng yǒu chéng zhú

    be sure this project will succeed

  • 胸有成竹的样子xiōng yǒu chéng zhú de yàng zi

    a look of confidence

  • 表现出胸有成竹biǎo xiàn chū xiōng yǒu chéng zhú

    display confidence

Similar words

心中有数xīn zhōng yǒu shù: A situation, its extent, and the right course of action are clearly understood.
十拿九稳shí ná jiú wěn: Success is nearly guaranteed, so an undertaking can proceed with confidence.
运筹帷幄yùn chóu wéi wò: Carefully planning strategy and directing the overall course of an undertaking.
未雨绸缪wèi yǔ chóu móu: Making preparations and taking preventive steps before trouble occurs.

Definition in Chinese

比喩地指在行动前对成功有明确把握和具体计划，对结果有信心。bǐ yù dì zhǐ zài xíng dòng qián duì chéng gōng yǒu míng què bǎ wò hé jù tǐ jì huà duì jié guǒ yǒu xìn xīn

Word origin

胸有成竹 (xiōngyǒuchéngzhú, "a finished bamboo in the chest") comes from the story of the painter Wen Tong, who held a complete image of bamboo in mind before painting it.

Usage tips

  • This four-character idiom sounds polished and deliberate in conversation, fitting prepared speakers discussing plans, presentations, or negotiations more than casual guesses.

Other meanings

  • be well preparedidiom

Opposites

Word lists with this word