📖 Meaning
To follow the circumstances and bide one's time in obscurity. Originally a tribute to King Wu of Zhou for adapting to the situation and lying low until the right moment; later used to describe temporarily withdrawing from public life to wait for a favorable opportunity.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Zhuo' ode in the 'Zhou Song' section of the Classic of Poetry (Shijing), which reads, 'Splendid was the royal army; it followed the way and nurtured the obscure times.' The ode praises King Wu of Zhou, founder of the Zhou Dynasty, for wisely assessing the times before overthrowing the Shang. Rather than rushing into action, he waited patiently for the moment when conditions were ripe. Over the centuries, the phrase evolved from its martial-political context into a general expression for strategic retreat and patient waiting.
💡 Example Usage
他在仕途受挫后选择遵养时晦，静待东山再起的时机。
After suffering a setback in his official career, he chose to lie low and bide his time, quietly waiting for the moment to stage a comeback.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 遵养时晦
- Pinyin: zūn yǎng shí huì
- Literal Translation: follow, nurture, times, obscure
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4