📖 Meaning
It means having far-reaching plans and long-term strategic vision. The idiom describes someone who thinks deeply about the future and prepares well ahead of time rather than acting on short-term impulses. It is essentially equivalent to '深谋远虑' (careful deliberation and far-sighted planning).
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from 'Rongzhai Xubi' (《容斋续笔》), a collection of essays by the Southern Song dynasty scholar Hong Mai, in the chapter titled 'Mingjiang Wanmiu' (名将晚谬), which recounts famous generals who blundered late in their careers. In the original passage, an elder statesman contrasts his own role with that of battlefield commanders, declaring: 'To capture enemy banners and break through enemy lines is the business of generals; long-range planning and far-reaching strategy is the business of this old man.' The remark emphasizes that strategic foresight, not battlefield valor, is what truly determines lasting success.
💡 Example Usage
公司能有今天的规模，全靠创业者当年的长算远略。
The company's success today is entirely owed to the founders' long-term vision and strategic foresight in those early years.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 长算远略
- Pinyin: cháng suàn yuǎn lüè
- Literal Translation: long, plan, far, strategy
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4