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投机取巧

投機取巧
tóujī-qǔqiǎo
idiom #28,858

Meanings

  1. 1 to be opportunistic
  2. 2 to seek gain through cunning shortcuts
  3. 3 to be full of tricks
  4. 4 to gain advantage by any means, fair or foul

Examples

HSK 6
他总是投机取巧，不愿意踏实做事。
Tā zǒngshì tóujī-qǔqiǎo, bù yuànyì tāshí zuòshì.
He always looks for shortcuts and is unwilling to work diligently.
HSK 6
投机取巧的人最终不会成功。
Tóujī-qǔqiǎo de rén zuìzhōng bùhuì chénggōng.
People who rely on cunning shortcuts will ultimately not succeed.

Tips

usage
This idiom carries a negative connotation - it implies dishonesty or laziness combined with cleverness, rather than admirable resourcefulness.
memory
Literal reading: 投机 (to speculate / seize opportunities) + 取巧 (to take the clever/easy route) = to speculate and take shortcuts.

Stroke Order

投 tóu
机 jī
取 qǔ
巧 qiǎo