Chinese Idiom: 不时之需 (Bu Shi Zhi Xu)
English Translations: Need at an Unexpected Time
pīn yīn: bù shí zhī xū
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a need that might arise unexpectedly at any time, emphasizing the importance of preparation for unforeseen circumstances.
Historical Source: Su Shi’s Later Ode to the Red Cliffs (《后赤壁赋》) from the Northern Song Dynasty
Idiom Story:
After being demoted to Huangzhou (modern-day Huanggang, Hubei), Su Shi wrote the Ode to the Red Cliffs (《前赤壁赋》) during a visit to the Red Cliffs in July 1082. Three months later, in October, he returned to the same place with friends and wrote the Later Ode to the Red Cliffs (《后赤壁赋》).
On October 10 of the same year, Su Shi, traveling with two friends, was heading back to his residence in Lingao (modern-day southern Huanggang) from the “East Slope Snow Hall” (东坡雪堂). It was early winter, and frost had begun to fall, with most of the leaves already gone. As Su Shi admired the bright moon and the surrounding scenery, he joyfully recited poetry with his friends.
Suddenly, Su Shi lamented, “There is no wine for the guests, and though there is fish, there is no wine. With such a clear moon and refreshing breeze, how can we enjoy this wonderful evening?” A guest replied, “I caught a fish in the evening, but I have no wine to prepare it with!” Su Shi then went home to discuss with his wife. She responded, “I have a jar of wine that I have kept for a long time, just in case of an unexpected need.”
Thus, Su Shi took the wine and fish and returned to the Red Cliffs for another enjoyable evening.
From this story, the phrase “以待子不时之需” (to keep it for an unexpected need) was simplified and evolved into the idiom “不时之需,” which signifies preparing for any unforeseen circumstances.
