从善如流

從善如流

cóngshànrúliú

idiom

Meanings

1 to accept good advice readily
2 to follow wise counsel like water flowing downstream
3 open to constructive suggestions

Characters

Examples

他从善如流，虚心接受批评。

Tā cóngshàn rúliú, xūxīn jiēshòu pīpíng.

He takes good advice readily and accepts criticism with an open mind.

一个好的领导应该从善如流。

Yí ge hǎo de lǐngdǎo yīnggāi cóngshàn rúliú.

A good leader should be open to sound advice.

这位皇帝从善如流，国力日盛。

Zhè wèi huángdì cóngshàn rúliú, guólì rì shèng.

This emperor heeded wise counsel, and his kingdom grew stronger by the day.

Tips

history

From 《左传·成公八年》: 从善如流，宜哉. Originally praised Luan Shu, a Jin minister, who followed three subordinates' advice to avoid battle and was praised for being as receptive to good counsel as water is to flowing downward.

Stroke Order

从 cóng

善 shàn

如 rú

流 liú