引而不發

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word 引而不發. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word 引而不發, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say 引而不發 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word 引而不發 you have here. The definition of the word 引而不發 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of引而不發, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

Chinese

to lead; to divert (water); to guide
and; as well as; but (not)
and; as well as; but (not); yet (not); (shows causal relation); (shows change of state); (shows contrast)
 
not; no
to send out; to show (one's feeling); to issue
to send out; to show (one's feeling); to issue; to develop
 
trad. (引而不發)
simp. (引而不发)
Literally: “to draw the bow without shooting”.

Etymology

From the Mencius.

孟子:「大匠改廢繩墨羿彀率君子引而不發躍如中道。」
孟子:「大匠改废绳墨羿彀率君子引而不发跃如中道。」
From: Mencius, c. 4th century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Mèngzǐ yuē: “Dàjiàng bù wèi zhuōgōng gǎifèi shéngmò, Yì bù wèi zhuōshè biàn qí gòulǜ. Jūnzǐ yǐn ér bù fā, yuèrú yě. Zhōngdào ér lì, néng zhě cóng zhī.”
Mencius said, 'A great artificer does not, for the sake of a stupid workman, alter or do away with the marking-line. Yi did not, for the sake of a stupid archer, change his rule for drawing the bow. The superior man draws the bow, but does not discharge the arrow, having seemed to leap with it to the mark; and he there stands exactly in the middle of the path. Those who are able, follow him.'

Pronunciation


Idiom

引而不發

  1. to be good at guiding others while leaving them to act on their own
  2. to prepare and wait for action