可乘之机

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: kě chéng zhī jī
• English Translation: An exploitable opportunity; a loophole to take advantage of.
• Idiom Composition: 「可」（can, able to）＋「乘」（to take advantage of, to utilize）＋「之」（(possessive particle)）＋「机」（opportunity）
• Meaning: An opportunity that can be utilized. It refers to a chance to gain one's own benefit by exploiting the weaknesses or mistakes of others.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「可乘之机」 contains the following nuances:

• Good Opportunity: Refers to a favorable situation or an excellent opportunity to achieve one's goals.
• Opponent's Weakness: Refers to a chance to gain an advantage by exploiting the opponent's carelessness, mistakes, or weaknesses.
• Strategic Utilization: Often refers to an opportunity that can be strategically utilized, rather than just a coincidental chance.
• Prompt Response: Indicates that quick action is necessary because the opportunity may be lost in an instant.

3. Usage

「可乘之机」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Business: Refers to opportunities such as exploiting a competitor's weaknesses to expand market share.
  • Example:「竞争对手的资金链出现了问题，这正是我们扩大市场份额的可乘之机。」
    （The competitor's capital chain has problems. This is our golden opportunity to expand market share.）
• Negotiation: Refers to opportunities to reach an agreement on favorable terms by eliciting mistakes or concessions from the other party.
  • Example:「在谈判中，我们要善于发现可乘之机，争取最大利益。」
    （In negotiations, we must be good at finding opportunities to exploit and strive for maximum benefit.）
• Sports: Refers to opportunities to win by exploiting the opposing team's mistakes or tactical weaknesses.
  • Example:「对方后卫的一次失误，给了我们一个可乘之机，前锋迅速破门得分。」
    （A mistake by the opposing defender gave us an opportunity, and the forward quickly scored.）

Additional Examples:

1. 面对市场的変化，我们要善于寻找可乘之机。
   （Facing market changes, we must be good at finding opportunities.）
2. 敌人の疏忽大意，给了我们一个可乘之机。
   （The enemy's carelessness gave us an opportunity to exploit.）
3. 他抓住了这个可乘之机，一举取得了成功。
   （He seized this opportunity and achieved success in one fell swoop.）
4. 在人际交往中，我们也要学会识别可乘之机，建立良好的人脉。
   （In interpersonal communication, we should also learn to identify opportunities and build good connections.）
5. 创业者需要敏锐地捕捉市场上的可乘之机。
   （Entrepreneurs need to keenly grasp opportunities in the market.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Influence of Military Strategy: "可乘之机" originates from ancient Chinese military strategy. It emphasizes the importance of exploiting the enemy's weaknesses in warfare, and this concept has been applied to various modern contexts.
• Related to "机不可失，时不再来": It is closely related to the idiom "机不可失，时不再来" (jī bù kě shī, shí bù zài lái), which means "An opportunity lost will never return," emphasizing the importance of not missing opportunities.
• Negative Connotation: "可乘之机" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying "taking advantage of someone's weaknesses." Care must be taken with its context when used.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 天赐良机 (tiān cì liáng jī): A good opportunity given by heaven.
  • 机不可失 (jī bù kě shī): Do not miss the opportunity.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 错失良机 (cuò shī liáng jī): To miss a good opportunity.

6. Summary

"可乘之机" is an idiom that can be used in various situations such as business, negotiation, and sports. When using this term, it is important to be aware that it refers to a strategically exploitable opportunity, not just a coincidental chance. Additionally, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of "taking advantage of someone's weaknesses," so care must be taken with its context. This idiom, originating from Chinese military strategy, offers profound insights into the importance of seizing opportunities even in modern society.