Chinese Idiom: 绰绰有余 (Chuo Chuo You Yu)
English Translation: Abundantly sufficient
pīn yīn: chuò chuò yǒu yú
Idiom Meaning: Describes a situation that is very ample or sufficient, often used to indicate someone’s abilities, time, or resources are more than enough, leading to a relaxed and unhurried demeanor.
Historical Source: From 孟子 (Mencius), specifically the chapter 公孙丑下.
Idiom Story:
During Mencius’s time in the state of Qi, he had a conversation with a government official named Zhi Wa (纸蛙). Mencius suggested that Zhi Wa resign from his position as the county magistrate of Lingqiu and take up the role of a judicial officer, as it would allow him to be closer to the King of Qi and provide advice. However, after several months in his new position, Zhi Wa had not made any contributions or offered advice to the king, prompting Mencius to question him about it.
Zhi Wa, being an honest man, took Mencius’s reprimand to heart and attempted to advise the king, but his counsel was disregarded, leading him to resign from his post.
Word of this incident spread throughout Qi, and some began to question Mencius’s advice: “Mencius considered Zhi Wa’s situation, but why did he not consider his own? He has made several attempts to advise the king, yet his words have been ignored. What should he do about himself?” Mencius’s student, Gongduzi, relayed these sentiments to him.
In response, Mencius explained: “I have heard it said that those with official positions should resign if they cannot fulfill their duties; those with the responsibility of advising should also leave if their advice is not taken. I hold no official position and have no responsibilities to advise, so my ability to advance or retreat is quite ample, is it not?”
The essence of his words conveys that, without fixed duties or obligations, Mencius felt a sense of freedom and ease in his circumstances. This notion of having ample room for action, or “绰绰然有余裕,” was eventually distilled into the idiom “绰绰有余,” symbolizing a state of abundance and security in one’s capabilities or resources.
