千方百计

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: qiān fāng bǎi jì
• English Translation: To try every means, to rack one's brains, to do everything possible
• Idiom Composition: 「千」（Many (literally a thousand)）＋「方」（Method）＋「百」（Many (literally a hundred)）＋「计」（Scheme, plan）
• Meaning: To exhaust all possible methods and means to achieve a goal. It refers to thinking of countless ways and strategies, describing perseverance and relentless effort even in difficult situations.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「千方百计」 contains the following nuances:

• Exhausting all means: Means trying every conceivable method and all possible means.
• Strong will and determination: It embodies a strong will to face any difficulties in order to achieve a goal.
• Ingenuity and resourcefulness: Includes not only trying many methods but also devising optimal solutions according to the situation.
• Emphasis on effort: Emphasizes sparing no effort in achieving a goal.

3. Usage

「千方百计」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing effort: Used to describe trying various methods and making efforts to achieve a certain goal.
  • Example:「为了考上理想的大学，他千方百计地学习。」
    （To get into his dream university, he tried every means to study.）
• Problem-solving: Used in situations where various methods are explored to solve difficult problems.
  • Example:「为了解决公司的危机，领导们千方百计地寻找对策。」
    （To resolve the company's crisis, the leaders racked their brains to find countermeasures.）
• Persuasion and negotiation: Used when employing various means to persuade someone or to gain an advantage in negotiations.
  • Example:「他千方百计地说服客户，最终签下了合同。」
    （He tried every means to persuade the client and finally signed the contract.）

Additional Examples:

1. 为了治好孩子的病，父母千方百计地寻医问药。
   （To cure their child's illness, the parents tried every means to find doctors and medicine.）
2. 面对激烈的市場競争，企業必須千方百計地提高產品質量和服務水平。
   （Faced with fierce market competition, enterprises must do everything possible to improve product quality and service levels.）
3. 警方千方百计地搜寻线索，希望能尽快破案。
   （The police tried every means to search for clues, hoping to solve the case as soon as possible.）
4. 他千方百计地讨好上司，希望能得到晋升的机会。
   （He tried every means to curry favor with his boss, hoping to get a promotion opportunity.）
5. 为了实现自己的梦想，她千方百计地克服困难，不断努力。
   （To achieve her dream, she did everything possible to overcome difficulties and continuously worked hard.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Emphasis on effort and wisdom: In Chinese culture, exerting effort and wisdom is considered crucial for achieving goals. '千方百计' is an idiom that reflects these values.
• Usage of 'thousand' and 'hundred': '千' (thousand) and '百' (hundred) are not literal numbers but exaggerations indicating a very large quantity. This idiom helps illustrate this usage.
• Positive connotation: '千方百计' is generally used positively, praising effort and ingenuity.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 想方设法 (xiǎng fāng shè fǎ): To try every possible means, to think of all possible methods.
  • 竭尽全力 (jié jìn quán lì): To exhaust all one's strength.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 无计可施 (wú jì kě shī): To be at one's wits' end, to have no solution.
  • 束手无策 (shù shǒu wú cè): To be helpless, to be at a loss.

6. Summary

'千方百计' is an idiom expressing a proactive and positive attitude of trying every means to achieve a goal. Understanding the importance of effort and wisdom in Chinese culture and using this idiom appropriately will enrich your Chinese expressions.