四平八稳

sì píng bā wěn

  • Meaning

    Literal

    -

    Usage

    Describes objects that are placed in a firm and steady position; describes behavior and words that are reliable and steady. Also describes someone whose behavior is a bit too cautious or lacking in initiative

  • Connotation

    Neutral

  • Usage Examples

    这一次, 他那四平八稳的气质遭到了破坏 | Zhè yīcì, tā nà sìpíngbāwěn de qìzhí zāo dào le pòhuài
    For once his even temper was disturbed
    [Source]

    椅子要保持四脚着地，四平八稳 | Yǐzi yào bǎochí sì jiǎo zháo di, sìpíngbāwěn
    All four legs of the chair should remain squarely on the floor
    [Source]

  • Equivalents

    English

    None

    Chinese

    None

  • Entry Notes

    None

  • Origin

    《水浒全传》(Shuǐ Hǔ Quán Zhuàn) by 施耐庵 (Shī Nài Ān). The novel has many different English names, including "Water Margin" and "Outlaws of the Marsh."

  • Story

    This chengyu is from a line in the work listed in the "Origin" section above

  • Citations and Helpful Resources

    • 汉语成语小词典 (hànyǔ chéngyǔ xiǎo cídiǎn)
    • 现代汉语规范词典 (xiàndài hànyǔ guīfàn cídiǎn)
    • 多功能成语词典 (duō gōngnéng chéngyǔ cídiǎn)
    • 汉语大词典 (hànyǔ dà cídiǎn)
    • ABC Chinese-English Comprehensive Dictionary
    • Pleco Basic Chinese-English Dictionary
    • 百度百科[x]