📖 Meaning
To assess the current situation and gauge one's own capabilities. The idiom advises careful judgment before taking action, weighing external circumstances against personal resources. It reflects a prudent, self-aware approach to decision-making.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a letter by Zhang Juzheng (张居正), a renowned statesman of the Ming Dynasty. In his 'Reply to My Teacher Xu Cunzhai' (《答上师相徐存斋书》), Zhang humbly wrote that he had repeatedly assessed the times and measured his own strength, and on that basis wished to retire from office. The phrase reflects a measured, self-aware attitude toward political life, advocating prudent judgment of both circumstances and personal capacity before acting.
💡 Example Usage
创业之前要揣时度力，不可盲目行动。
Before starting a business, one should assess the situation and gauge one's own capabilities rather than acting blindly.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 揣时度力
- Pinyin: chuǎi shí duó lì
- Literal Translation: assess, times, measure, strength
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4