缘木求鱼 — “To seek a desired result by an absurd or impossible method”
缘木求鱼 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to seek a desired result by an absurd or impossible method”. To do things in the wrong way; to go about something the wrong way, leading to futile efforts. Literally, “To climb a tree to seek fish”.
Frequency
缘木求鱼 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 缘yuán
- 木mù
- 求qiú
- 鱼yú
缘木求鱼 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 缘木求鱼
如果你想不付出任何努力就获得成功，那简直是缘木求鱼。
If you wish to achieve success without putting in any effort, that's simply like climbing a tree to seek fish.
Origin and Story of 缘木求鱼
During the Warring States period, King Xuan of Qi wanted to conquer the world by force. Mencius advised him to abandon military aggression and instead adopt benevolent political measures.
Mencius said to King Xuan, 'If Your Majesty wishes to conquer the world by force, it would be like 'climbing a tree to seek fish.' The result will surely be fruitless; not only will you fail to achieve your goal, but you may also cause harm.'
King Xuan found Mencius's words very reasonable and followed his advice.
Idioms Related to 缘木求鱼
More idioms starting with 缘
- yuán缘míng名shī失shí实misled by name, miss reality
- yuán缘qiān悭yī一miàn面lack the destined affinity to meet
- yuán缘qiān悭fēn分qiǎn浅fated to have a shallow relationship
- yuán缘qiān悭mìng命jiǎn蹇unlucky in love and life
- yuán缘qíng情tǐ体wù物express feelings, depict objects
- yuán缘wén文shēng生yì义interpret literally, without deeper understanding
- yuán缘mù木xī希yú鱼climb a tree to seek fish
- yuán缘báo薄fēn分qiǎn浅to have a shallow affinity or meager fate
- yuán缘gǔ鹄shì饰yù玉rise to high position due to favorable opportunities
Questions about 缘木求鱼
- What does 缘木求鱼 mean?
- 缘木求鱼 (yuán mù qiú yú) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to seek a desired result by an absurd or impossible method”.
- How do you pronounce 缘木求鱼?
- 缘木求鱼 is pronounced yuán mù qiú yú in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 缘木求鱼 literally mean?
- Literally, 缘木求鱼 means “to climb a tree to seek fish”. It is used to mean “to seek a desired result by an absurd or impossible method”.
- Where does 缘木求鱼 come from?
- 缘木求鱼 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 缘木求鱼?
- 缘木：爬树。爬到树上去找鱼。比喻方向或办法不对头，不可能达到目的。