一则以喜,一则以忧
yī zé yǐ xǐ , yī zé yǐ yōu
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1 happy on the one hand, but worried on the other (idiom)
不俭则匮
bù jiǎn zé kuì
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1 wastage makes one destitute (idiom)
以身作则
yǐ shēn zuò zé
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1 to set an example (idiom); to serve as a model
俭则不缺
jiǎn zé bù quē
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1 frugality prevents destitution (idiom)
勤则不匮
qín zé bù kuì
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1 If one is industrious, one will not be in want. (idiom)
学而优则仕
xué ér yōu zé shì
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1 one who is successful in one's studies, can become an official (idiom)
小不忍则乱大谋
xiǎo bù rěn zé luàn dà móu
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1 (idiom) great plans can be ruined by just a touch of impatience
成则为王,败则为寇
chéng zé wéi wáng , bài zé wéi kòu
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1 lit. called a king if successful, called a bandit if defeated (idiom)
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2 fig. losers are always in the wrong
既来之,则安之
jì lái zhī , zé ān zhī
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1 Since they have come, we should make them comfortable (idiom). Since we're here, take it easy.
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2 Since this is so, we should accept it.
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3 Now we have come, let's stay and take the rough with the smooth.
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4 If you can't do anything to prevent it, you might as well sit back and enjoy it.
有则改之,无则加勉
yǒu zé gǎi zhī , wú zé jiā miǎn
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1 correct any mistakes you made, but maintain your good record if you did not make them (idiom)
欲速则不达
yù sù zé bù dá
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1 lit. to want sth in haste, but cannot get there (idiom, from Analects); more haste, less speed
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2 don't try to run before you can walk
水至清则无鱼,人至察则无徒
shuǐ zhì qīng zé wú yú , rén zhì chá zé wú tú
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1 water that is too clear has no fish, and one who is too severe has no friends (idiom)
穷则思变
qióng zé sī biàn
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1 when you hit bottom, you have to come up with a new approach (idiom)
逆水行舟,不进则退
nì shuǐ xíng zhōu , bù jìn zé tuì
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1 like rowing a boat upstream, if you stop moving forward you fall back (idiom)