取长补短
qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn
Leveraging strengths and weaknesses · trad. 取長補短
Individuals or groups can benefit from observing others' good points and applying them to their own deficiencies. It describes the act of leveraging the strengths of some to compensate for the weaknesses of others, leading to overall improvement.
What does 取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) mean?
取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) means "leveraging strengths and weaknesses" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "adopt strengths, compensate for weaknesses."
Character by character
- 取 qǔ take, adopt
- 长 cháng long, strength, advantage
- 补 bǔ mend, compensate, supplement
- 短 duǎn short, weakness, disadvantage
When to use it
Often used in contexts of teamwork, personal development, or organizational improvement, this idiom encourages a collaborative mindset. It suggests that everyone contributes their best while helping others overcome challenges, fostering a positive and constructive approach.
Example
大家均有优缺点,应取长补短,才能更进步。
Dàjiā jūn yǒu yōuquēdiǎn, yīng qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn, cáinéng gèng jìnbù.
Everyone has both strengths and weaknesses. To make greater progress, we should learn from each other's strengths to compensate for our own shortcomings.
Pro tip: While it can apply to personal growth, this idiom strongly implies mutual learning and collective effort, where individuals or groups complement each other for shared advancement.
Related idioms
清清楚楚 · Extreme clarity and distinctness秋高气爽 · Pleasant autumn weather全力以赴 · Full effort dedication
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