Chinese Idiom: 驾轻就熟 (Jia Qing Jiu Shu)
English Translation: Drive a light cart on a familiar road
pīn yīn: jià qīng jiù shú
Idiom Meaning: Originally meaning to drive a light carriage on a well-known path, it now refers to performing a task with ease due to familiarity and experience.
Historical Source: From The Preface to the Farewell to Stone the Recluse (《送石处士序》) by Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
The idiom “驾轻就熟” comes from Han Yu’s The Preface to the Farewell to Stone the Recluse. Stone the Recluse (石处士), whose real name was Shi Hong, was a well-regarded scholar from Luoyang who had retired from public life for ten years. Despite his withdrawal, he was later invited to serve as an official by Wu Chongyin, the governor of He Yang.
In the preface, Han Yu describes Stone’s character and abilities, highlighting his virtue and his unassuming lifestyle. Stone was noted for his simplicity and deep knowledge, living a frugal life and dedicating himself to studying and advising on moral and political matters.
Han Yu uses the analogy of “driving a light cart on a familiar road” to illustrate how effortlessly Stone could handle political and administrative duties, much like driving a well-known route with ease. The metaphor implies that familiarity and experience make tasks feel effortless, just as a light cart on a familiar path is easy to maneuver.
This expression is employed to convey that someone who is well-acquainted with a task or situation can perform it smoothly and competently. Over time, it has come to signify a general ease and proficiency in handling tasks due to familiarity and practice.
