📖 Meaning
To make provisions for the future; to plan ahead with long-term considerations in mind. It describes acting strategically in the present so as to benefit future endeavors.
📜 Origin Story
From the 'Zuo Zhuan' (左传), Year 6 of Duke Huan of Lu (鲁桓公六年, 706 BCE), during the Spring and Autumn period. The Chu minister Dou Bobi (斗伯比) advised his ruler to feign military weakness before the eastern state of Sui (随), hoping the arrogant Sui official Shaoshi (少师) would become more conceited and alienate Sui's smaller allies. When Chu general Xiong Lüqie Bi (熊率且比) questioned the value of such scheming given that the wise minister Ji Liang (季梁) served Sui, Dou Bobi replied '以为后图，少师得其君' — planning for the future, since Shaoshi enjoyed the Sui ruler's trust and would eventually bring about Sui's downfall.
💡 Example Usage
公司保留一笔储备资金，以为后图，以备不时之需。
The company keeps a reserve fund as provision for the future, in case of unexpected needs.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 以为后图
- Pinyin: yǐ wéi hòu tú
- Literal Translation: take, as, later, plan
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4