Definition
This is a chengyu (four-character idiom) meaning 'to take targeted measures' — literally, 'prescribe medicine according to the diagnosis'. It emphasizes solving a problem by addressing its specific root cause, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
idiom
to take targeted measuresto solve a problem by addressing its root cause
Examples
- 对症下药，。Lǎoshī duì měi gè xuéshēng duì zhèng-xià yào, bāngzhù tāmen kèfú bùtóng de kùnnán.The teacher takes targeted measures for each student, helping them overcome different difficulties.
- 对症下药，。Jiějué zhège jìshù wèntí xūyào duì zhèng-xià yào, bù néng mángmù chángshì.Solving this technical problem requires a targeted approach, not blind trial and error.
- 对症下药，。Gōngsī zhēnduì shìchǎng biànhuà duì zhèng-xià yào, xùnsù tiáozhěng le chǎnpǐn cèlüè.The company took targeted measures in response to market changes and quickly adjusted its product strategy.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.