📖 Meaning
This idiom means to have full confidence and absolute certainty of success. It derives from the ancient Chinese practice of split-tally contracts, where holding the left half gave one the indisputable right to claim what was owed.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (《史记》), in the chapter 'House of Tian Jingzhong' (《田敬仲完世家》). In ancient China, contracts and agreements were written on a wooden or bamboo tally that was split into two halves — the left half (左券) was held by the creditor as proof of a debt. The phrase originally described a ruler who always held the left tally, meaning he was perpetually in the position of creditor over the states of Qin and Han, with the power to demand repayment at will. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for being completely assured of a favorable outcome.
💡 Example Usage
他对这次比赛稳操左券，心态十分放松。
He is fully confident of winning this competition and feels completely at ease.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 稳操左券
- Pinyin: wén cāo zuǒ quàn
- Literal Translation: steady, hold, left, contract
- Category: Success
- Characters: 4