别出心裁

別出心裁
biéchū-xīncái
idiom #47,510

Meanings

  1. 1 to adopt an original approach
  2. 2 to hit on something new
  3. 3 to display originality

Examples

HSK 3
Tā zǒng néng biéchū-xīncái de jiějué wèntí.
She always finds unconventional ways to solve problems.
HSK 5
Zhèjiā cāntīng de càidān biéchū-xīncái.
This restaurant's menu takes an inventive approach.
HSK 7-9
Tā de shèjì biéchū-xīncái, lìngrén ěrmù-yīxīn.
His design is remarkably original, a breath of fresh air.

Tips

history
From 明·李贽《水浒全书发凡》: 今别出心裁,不依旧样 - 'now we devise a different design, not following the old pattern.' Li Zhi was defending an unorthodox edition of the Water Margin; the phrase has meant 'creative deviation from convention' ever since.
usage
Usually positive - praises cleverness or originality. Don't confuse with 标新立异, which often carries a hint of 'showing off' or courting attention.

Stroke Order

bié
chū
xīn
cái