📖 Meaning
A plan or stratagem suddenly comes to mind. It describes the moment when someone, often after some deliberation, suddenly thinks of a clever solution or scheme. Commonly used in contexts of scheming or problem-solving.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Yuan dynasty play 'Autumn in the Han Palace' (汉宫秋) by the playwright Ma Zhiyuan (马致远), a master of Yuan zaju drama. In the first act, a character says, 'Don't let him off too easily; with a knit of the brow, a plan comes to mind.' The play dramatizes the tragic story of Wang Zhaojun, a Han dynasty court lady sent to marry a Xiongnu chieftain. The expression captures the vivid moment when a clever idea dawns on someone.
💡 Example Usage
听完敌人的部署，他计上心来，决定将计就计。
After hearing the enemy's arrangements, a plan came to his mind and he decided to turn their scheme against them.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 计上心来
- Pinyin: jì shàng xīn lái
- Literal Translation: stratagem, come up, mind, arrive
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4