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取长补短

取長補短
qǔchángbǔduǎn
idiom #49,178

Meanings

  1. 1 to draw on strengths to make up for weaknesses (idiom)
  2. 2 to learn from others' strong points
  3. 3 to complement each other's shortcomings

Examples

我们应该取长补短，共同进步。
Wǒmen yīnggāi qǔchángbǔduǎn, gòngtóng jìnbù.
We should learn from each other's strengths and improve together.
两队合作，取长补短，效率大大提高。
Liǎng duì hézuò, qǔchángbǔduǎn, xiàolǜ dàdà tígāo.
The two teams collaborated, drawing on each other's strengths, and efficiency rose sharply.
在学习上要善于取长补短。
Zài xuéxí shàng yào shànyú qǔchángbǔduǎn.
In learning, you need to skillfully draw on others' strengths to offset your weaknesses.

Tips

history
From 《孟子·滕文公上》: 今滕绝长补短，将五十里也 — Mencius tells the small state of Teng that if it 'cuts off the long (extra) lands and makes up for the short (deficient) ones,' it still amounts to roughly fifty li. The original was about territory; the modern idiom takes the principle to people and skills.
usage
Almost always positive — praises collaborative improvement. Common in team, workplace, and educational contexts. Not used for hiding weaknesses; it's specifically about using others' strengths to offset them.

Stroke Order

取 qǔ
长 cháng
补 bǔ
短 duǎn