万无一失

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: wàn wú yì shī
• English Translation: Absolutely foolproof, nothing can go wrong, perfectly safe
• Idiom Composition: 「万」（Ten thousand, a very large number）＋「无」（None, without）＋「一」（One）＋「失」（Failure, mistake）
• Meaning: To have no failures even after ten thousand attempts. By extension, it refers to a state where plans and preparations are extremely thorough, absolutely certain, and there is no possibility of failure.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「万无一失」 contains the following nuances:

• Absolute certainty: Emphasizes a very high probability of success and an extremely low chance of failure.
• Thorough preparation: Indicates that preliminary preparations and plans are meticulous, with measures taken to cover all possibilities.
• Pursuit of perfection: Expresses a strong will and attitude to strive for perfection and not tolerate even the slightest mistake.

3. Usage

「万无一失」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Perfection of plans and preparations: Used to emphasize that plans and preparations are thorough and can handle unforeseen circumstances.
  • Example:「我们已经制定了万无一失的应急预案，可以应对各种突发情况。」
    （We have formulated a foolproof emergency response plan that can handle all kinds of contingencies.）
• Guarantee of quality and performance: Used to indicate that the quality of a product or system is perfect and has no defects.
  • Example:「经过严格的测试，这款新产品的质量万无一失。」
    （After rigorous testing, the quality of this new product is absolutely reliable.）
• Certainty of critical operations: Used to describe the certainty of operations where failure is not allowed, such as surgery or important experiments.
  • Example:「为了确保手术万无一失，医生们进行了反复的模拟演练。」
    （To ensure the surgery was foolproof, the doctors conducted repeated simulation drills.）

Additional Examples:

1. 只要你按照说明书操作，就能确保安装过程万无一失。
   （As long as you operate according to the instructions, you can ensure that the installation process is foolproof.）
2. 他办事一向小心谨慎，力求万无一失。
   （He has always been careful and cautious in his work, striving for absolute certainty.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '万无一失' reflects the perfectionist tendency in Chinese culture, showing an attitude of paying close attention to details and striving to eliminate mistakes as much as possible.
• In reality, it is rare for there to be no failures 'one in ten thousand', so '万无一失' is often used as a form of exaggeration.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 十拿九稳 (shí ná jiǔ wěn): Nine out of ten times, it will succeed; almost certain.
  • 稳操胜券 (wěn cāo shèng quàn): To be confident of victory, to have a good chance of winning.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 漏洞百出 (lòu dòng bǎi chū): Full of loopholes, many defects.
  • 千疮百孔 (qiān chuāng bǎi kǒng): Full of holes and wounds, riddled with problems.

6. Summary

'万无一失' is an idiom used to emphasize absolute certainty and safety. It reflects a cultural tendency in Chinese society to value thoroughness, perfection, and risk avoidance. This idiom is commonly used in both business and everyday contexts to express that every precaution has been taken and nothing has been left to chance.