Definition
四平八稳 is a four-character idiom literally meaning 'four sides flat, eight directions stable,' describing something that is thoroughly stable and well-balanced. It can be used positively to praise someone who is steady, cautious, and methodical, or negatively to criticize someone who is so focused on avoiding risk that they lack initiative and creativity. The connotation depends on context.
f.e.
very steadywell-organized(positive) showing reliability and cautionoverly cautiouslacking initiative(negative) too conservative to take risks
Examples
- 四平八稳，，。Tā zuòshì sì píng bā wěn, cóng bù lǔmǎng, dàjiā dōu hěn xìnrèn tā.He does things steadily and never acts rashly, so everyone trusts him.
- 四平八稳，，。Zhège fāng'àn suīrán sì píng bā wěn, dàn quēfá chuàngxīn, kěnéng bú shìhé kuàisù biànhuà de shìchǎng.Although this plan is very steady, it lacks innovation and may not suit a fast-changing market.
- 四平八稳，。Tā zhuīqiú sì píng bā wěn de shēnghuó, bú yuànyì mào rènhé fēngxiǎn.She pursues a steady life and is unwilling to take any risks.
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