从善如流 — “To readily accept good advice or constructive criticism”
从善如流 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to readily accept good advice or constructive criticism”. To be open to suggestions and improvements. Literally, “Follow good advice as readily as water flows downhill”.
从善如流 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 从cóng
- 善shàn
- 如rú
- 流liú
从善如流 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 从善如流
Origin and Story of 从善如流
During the Spring and Autumn period, the small state of Zheng formed an alliance with Jin to defend against Chu. The following year, Chu attacked Zheng. Jin, honoring the alliance, dispatched troops to aid Zheng.
On their way, they encountered Chu forces, who retreated without a fight. Jin generals, including Zhao Tong, urged to seize the opportunity to invade Chu's territory of Cai.
However, Zhi Zhuangzi, the Deputy Commander of the Central Army, advised Marshal Luan Shu against it. He argued, 'Since the Chu army has withdrawn and Zheng is no longer in danger, we should not press the attack on Chu.' Marshal Luan Shu recognized the wisdom in this advice and resolutely ordered the army to return to Jin.
The historical text *Zuo Zhuan* commended Luan Shu's action, stating, 'It is indeed fitting to readily accept good advice (从善如流宜哉)!'
Idioms Related to 从善如流
Antonyms of 从善如流
More idioms starting with 从
- cóng从yī一yǐ以zhōng终remain faithful to the end
- cóng从yī一ér而zhōng终be faithful to one person for life
- cóng从zhōng中zuò作gěng梗create obstruction from within
- cóng从zhōng中yú渔lì利exploit for unfair personal gain
- cóng从jǐng井jiù救rén人risk life to save others
- cóng从cóng从róng容róng容calm and unhurried
- cóng从lìng令rú如liú流obey orders swiftly and completely
- cóng从hé何shuō说qǐ起Where to begin?
- cóng从sú俗jiù就jiǎn简follow common practices and simplify
- cóng从sú俗fú浮chén沉go with the flow
- cóng从wú吾suǒ所hǎo好follow my heart's desire
- cóng从shàn善rú如dēng登It's hard to become good
Questions about 从善如流
- What does 从善如流 mean?
- 从善如流 (cóng shàn rú liú) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to readily accept good advice or constructive criticism”.
- How do you pronounce 从善如流?
- 从善如流 is pronounced cóng shàn rú liú in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 从善如流 literally mean?
- Literally, 从善如流 means “Follow good advice as readily as water flows downhill”. It is used to mean “to readily accept good advice or constructive criticism”.
- Where does 从善如流 come from?
- 从善如流 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 从善如流?
- 从：听从；善：好的，正确的；如流：好象流水向下，形容迅速。形容能迅速地接受别人的好意见。