可乘之机

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: kě chéng zhī jī
• English Translation: An opportunity to take advantage of (a loophole or vulnerability)
• Idiom Composition: 「可」（can or able to）＋「乘」（to take advantage of or exploit (literally 'to ride')）＋「之」（a classical Chinese particle connecting a modifier to a noun (similar to 'of')）＋「机」（opportunity or chance）
• Meaning: Refers to a weakness, lapse in vigilance, or an opening that can be exploited by an opponent or a wrongdoer. In modern usage, it often describes a 'vulnerability' that one should avoid exposing.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「可乘之机」 contains the following nuances:

• Defensive Perspective: While it can mean 'a chance to attack,' modern usage is overwhelmingly defensive. It is most often paired with 'not giving' (不给 / bù gěi) to emphasize vigilance against being exploited.
• The Nuance of 'Opening': This is not just any 'good opportunity.' It specifically refers to a 'vulnerability' created by someone's mistake, negligence, or lack of preparation.

3. Usage

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

• Vigilance and Prevention: Used frequently in security, crime prevention, or competitive environments to warn against showing any weakness.
  • Example:「我们要加强网络安全管理，不给黑客任何可乘之机。」
    （We must strengthen our cybersecurity management and not give hackers any opportunity to take advantage of us.）
• Organizational Unity: Used to warn that internal discord or lack of cooperation can be exploited by external rivals.
  • Example:「团队内部如果不团结，就会给竞争对手可乘之机。」
    （If the team is not united internally, it will give competitors an opening to exploit.）
• Personal Safety and Fraud: Used as advice to prevent personal negligence from being used by criminals.
  • Example:「不要轻易透露个人信息，以免给骗子可乘之机。」
    （Do not easily reveal personal information, so as not to give scammers a loophole to exploit.）

Additional Examples:

1. 由于防守队员的失误，给了对方前锋可乘之机。
   （Due to the defender's mistake, the opposing forward was given an opening to exploit.）
2. 只有做好充分准备，才不会给敌人留下可乘之机。
   （Only by being fully prepared can we avoid leaving a vulnerability for the enemy to seize.）
3. 这种模糊的规章制度很容易给投机取巧者可乘之机。
   （Vague regulations like these easily give speculators an opportunity to take advantage of the system.）
4. 一定要保持冷静，不要让愤怒给对手可乘之机。
   （You must remain calm; do not let your anger give your opponent a chance to strike.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This idiom originates from the Book of Jin (晋书), specifically the biography of Lü Zuan (吕纂), which mentions 'waiting for an opportunity to exploit, then wiping them out in one move' (待可乘之机，然后一举荡灭).
• Register: It is a formal expression frequently found in news reports, business negotiations, and sports commentary. While it can be used in daily conversation, it carries a serious and professional tone.
• Comparison: It is closely related to the phrase 有机可乘 (yǒu jī kě chéng), which describes the state of 'having an opportunity to exploit.' However, 可乘之机 (kě chéng zhī jī) functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of verbs like 'give' or 'leave.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 有机可乘 (yǒu jī kě chéng): To have an opportunity to take advantage of; there is a loophole to exploit.
  • 乘虚而入 (chéng xū ér rù): To enter by taking advantage of a weak point or an unguarded moment.
  • 投机取巧 (tóu jī qǔ qiǎo): To seize an opportunity for one's own advantage, often by clever but unethical means.link
  • 乘人之危 (chéng rén zhī wēi): To take advantage of someone's precarious position or misfortune.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 无懈可击 (wú xiè kě jī): Flawless and impenetrable; leaving no room for criticism or attack.
  • 无隙可乘 (wú xì kě chéng): Leaving no crack or opening for anyone to exploit; perfectly secure.
  • 万无一失 (wàn wú yī shī): Absolutely safe; no danger at all.link

6. Summary

The idiom 可乘之机 (kě chéng zhī jī) describes a 'loophole' or 'opening' that allows someone to strike or take advantage. While it literally means an opportunity that can be seized, it is most commonly used today in a defensive context, such as 'not giving someone an opening' (不给可乘之机). It is a vital expression in business, security, and competitive strategy.