胸有成竹

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"胸有成竹" literally means "having a completed bamboo in one's chest," symbolizing having a clear and confident plan or idea in mind before taking action. It is often used to describe someone who is well-prepared and confident because they have thought through the situation thoroughly.

Common Contexts

This idiom is frequently used in contexts involving planning, preparation, and confidence, such as in work, art, or exams. For example, a painter who has a clear image of the painting before starting, or a person who has prepared answers before an interview.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuance and Register

This phrase carries a positive connotation of calmness and assurance. It is often used in formal or literary contexts but is also common in everyday speech when praising someone's preparedness.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "胸有成竹" with phrases that mean just having an idea or hope. This idiom emphasizes certainty and completeness of the plan, not just a vague notion.

Example Sentences

He always has a well-thought-out plan and never panics when doing things.

The painter had a clear vision in mind and created this vivid landscape

Before the interview, he thoroughly prepared for all possible questions with