📖 Meaning
To think deeply and consider carefully before acting. It describes a thorough, deliberate process of reflection in which one weighs options and consequences before reaching a conclusion or decision.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase appears in the modern Chinese novel 'Rainbow' (虹) by the celebrated writer Mao Dun (茅盾), published in the early 20th century. In the text, the character Lady Mei suddenly wears an expression of deep and careful contemplation, as if stimulated by something. The expression combines '沉思' (deep thought) with '熟虑' (careful, mature consideration) to convey profound, deliberate thinking. Though originating in a modern literary work, it draws on the long-standing Chinese tradition of valuing careful deliberation.
💡 Example Usage
经过沉思熟虑后，他决定放弃这次机会。
After deep and careful consideration, he decided to pass up the opportunity.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 沉思熟虑
- Pinyin: chén sī shú lǜ
- Literal Translation: sink, think, mature, consider
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4