p8nda
p8nda BETA
Home Dictionary Translate Flashcards Sign in

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

他总是投机取巧，不愿意踏实做事。
Tā zǒngshì tóujīqǔqiǎo, 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。
Tóujīqǔqiǎo 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