两全其美
liǎng quán qí měi
Win-win outcome · trad. 兩全其美
Finding a solution that benefits two parties or achieves two goals at once is the core meaning. It describes a situation where both sides are satisfied, with no compromise needed from either.
What does 两全其美 (liǎng quán qí měi) mean?
两全其美 (liǎng quán qí měi) means "win-win outcome" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "both achieve their beauty."
Character by character
- 两 liǎng two, both
- 全 quán complete, perfect, satisfy
- 其 qí its, their
- 美 měi beautiful, good
When to use it
Use this idiom to highlight situations where a single action or decision yields positive results for two distinct entities or objectives. It conveys a sense of ideal resolution, implying that a perfect balance or synergy has been found.
Example
大家如能租间大房子一起住，既省房租又热闹，不是两全其美吗？
Dàjiā rú néng zū jiān dàfángzi yìqǐ zhù, jì shěng fángzū yòu rènao, búshì liǎng quán qí měi ma?
If everyone could rent a big house and live together, we'd save on rent and have a lively home. Wouldn't that be perfect for everyone involved?
Pro tip: The idiom specifically emphasizes a dual benefit, meaning it applies when exactly two parties or two objectives are simultaneously satisfied. It's not typically used for situations benefiting three or more.
Related idioms
理直气壮 · Justified confidence恋恋不舍 · Unwilling to part or leave了如指掌 · Complete understanding
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