想方设法

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: xiǎng fāng shè fǎ
• English Translation: To try every possible means, to use all methods, to rack one's brains
• Idiom Composition: 「想」（To think）＋「方」（Method）＋「设」（To set up, to prepare）＋「法」（Method）
• Meaning: To think of and try every possible method to achieve a goal. It describes the attitude of not giving up in difficult situations and employing various means to solve problems.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「想方设法」 contains the following nuances:

• Proactive problem solving: Expresses an attitude of actively seeking solutions to difficult problems.
• Creative ingenuity: Means not just trying many methods, but using wisdom to come up with effective solutions.
• Persistent effort: Indicates continuing effort without giving up even when problems are hard to solve.
• Strong will: Conveys a strong will and determination to achieve a goal.

3. Usage

「想方设法」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing effort: Used to describe someone employing various means to achieve a goal or solve a problem.
  • Example:「为了提高销售额，他想方设法开拓新市场。」
    （To increase sales, he tried every possible means to develop new markets.）
• Praise: Used to praise people who persistently make efforts despite difficult circumstances.
  • Example:「他想方设法克服了重重困难，最终取得了成功。」
    （He used every possible method to overcome numerous difficulties and finally succeeded.）
• Expression of determination: Also used to express one's determination to face difficulties.
  • Example:「无论遇到什么困难，我都会想方设法解决。」
    （No matter what difficulties I encounter, I will try every possible means to solve them.）

Additional Examples:

1. 为了给孩子治病，他想方设法筹集医疗费。
   （To treat his child's illness, he used every possible method to raise medical funds.）
2. 面对激烈的市场竞争，这家公司想方设法降低成本，提高产品质量。
   （Facing fierce market competition, this company tried every possible means to reduce costs and improve product quality.）
3. 她想方设法联系上了失散多年的朋友。
   （She used every possible method to get in touch with a friend she had lost contact with for many years.）
4. 为了通过考试，他想方设法提高学习效率。
   （To pass the exam, he tried every possible means to improve his study efficiency.）
5. 政府想方设法解决就业问题。
   （The government is using every possible method to address employment issues.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, when facing difficult problems, it is highly valued to persistently use wisdom to find solutions without giving up. The idiom '想方设法' reflects this cultural value of proactive problem-solving.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì): To try every possible means, to spare no effort.
  • 竭尽全力 (jié jìn quán lì): To exert oneself to the fullest, to do one's utmost.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 无计可施 (wú jì kě shī): Having no way to deal with a situation, helpless.
  • 束手无策 (shù shǒu wú cè): Completely at a loss, with no solution in sight.

6. Summary

'想方设法' is an idiom that expresses actively employing every possible means to achieve goals or solve problems. It reflects the proactive attitude in Chinese culture of not only making efforts but also using wisdom to find effective solutions. This idiom can be used in various contexts such as business, study, and daily life, so it is useful to remember.