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投机取巧

投機取巧
tóujīqǔqiǎo
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

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.
投机取巧的人最终不会成功。
Tóujī qǔqiǎo de rén zuìzhōng bù huì 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