📖 Meaning
Describes someone who is capable of deep, sustained deliberation and is also good at making decisive judgments. Such a person combines thoughtful strategy with resolute action, weighing matters carefully yet not hesitating when a decision is required.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from "Bian Wang Lun" (Discourse on the Fall of Wu) by Lu Ji, a writer of the Western Jin dynasty. In the essay, which analyzes why the state of Wu rose and fell, the text "好谋善断" (delighting in planning and judging well) is used to praise a ruler's ability to consult capable men and make sound decisions. The modern form "能谋善断" derives from this expression and is used in later literature, such as Li Xin's "Wang Yun Lun" of the Song dynasty, to credit a person with both foresight and decisiveness.
💡 Example Usage
他身经百战，能谋善断，是难得的主帅之才。
Having fought through a hundred battles, he plans deeply and decides decisively—a rare talent for a commander.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 能谋善断
- Pinyin: néng móu shàn duàn
- Literal Translation: able, to plan, skilled at, to decide
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4