📖 Meaning
Literally meaning to watch the wind direction and adjust the rudder accordingly. It is a metaphor for acting according to the situation or following someone's lead, often with a negative connotation of being opportunistic or lacking principles.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Song Dynasty text 'Wudeng Huiyuan' (五灯会元) compiled by the monk Shi Puji, a collection of Chan (Zen) Buddhist dialogues. The original text states '看风使舵，正是随波逐流' — watching the wind to steer the rudder is precisely drifting with the current. It was used in the Buddhist context to criticize those who follow trends without independent judgment. Over time, it evolved into a common idiom describing people who change their stance opportunistically.
💡 Example Usage
他在公司里见风使舵，谁得势就跟谁走得近。
At the company, he always trims his sails to the wind, getting close to whoever happens to be in power.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 见风使舵
- Pinyin: jiàn fēng shǐ duò
- Literal Translation: see, wind, steer, rudder
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4