Definition
就地取材 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to use local materials' or 'to draw on resources available on the spot'. It describes a practical, resourceful approach — making do with what's nearby rather than importing or buying new. You can use it literally (building with local wood and stone) or figuratively (using local talent, ideas, or methods). The structure is: 就地 (on the spot) + 取材 (to obtain materials).
v.p.
to use local materialsto draw on available resources on the spot
Examples
- 就地取材，。Zhège cūnzi jiù dì qǔ cái, yòng zhúzi jiàn le yí zuò qiáo.This village used local materials to build a bridge out of bamboo.
- 就地取材，。Dǎoyǎn juédìng jiù dì qǔ cái, qǐng dāngdì yǎnyuán lái pāi zhè bù diànyǐng.The director decided to use local talent and hired local actors for this film.
- 就地取材，。Wǒmen jiù dì qǔ cái, yòng jiù mùtou zuò le yì zhāng zhuōzi.We used materials on hand and made a table from old wood.
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