扬长避短

揚長避短
yángcháng-bìduǎn
idiom #50,746

Meanings

  1. 1 to play to one's strengths and avoid one's weaknesses
  2. 2 to maximize advantages and minimize shortcomings
  3. 3 to emphasize the long, sidestep the short

Examples

HSK 2
Zuòshì yào dǒngde yángchángbìduǎn.
In anything you do, learn to play to your strengths.
HSK 2
Xuéxí wàiyǔ yào yángchángbìduǎn, xuǎn duì fāngfǎ.
In language learning, work with your strengths and pick the right method.
HSK 4
Zhè jiā qǐyè yángchángbìduǎn, zhǎodào le zìjǐ de shìchǎng.
The company leaned into its strengths and found its niche.

Tips

usage
A strategy-and-planning word - common in management, sports coaching, education, and career advice. Parallels English 'play to your strengths'. Positive register.
memory
= raise/show off, = strong points; = avoid, = weak points. Pair the opposites: raise the long, avoid the short.

Stroke Order

yáng
cháng
duǎn