諺語 · a single proverb
進退有度
What does 進退有度 (jìn tuì yǒu dù) mean?
進退有度 (jìn tuì yǒu dù) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "advance and retreat have measure." In use it means: Know when to advance and when to retreat; move with proper judgment and restraint. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Water note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Snake.
Literally: "advance and retreat have measure."
The reading
The river that knows its banks does not spread itself thin trying to cover all ground; it flows with purpose. Advance and retreat are both movements, and the one who reads the moment chooses the right one. Control of both directions is what gives the capable person their particular authority.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Traditional Chinese military and philosophical saying
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Wisdom & Learning, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Snake, Year of the Frog, and Year of the Rat.
Questions
Is 進退有度 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 進退有度 (jìn tuì yǒu dù) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Traditional Chinese military and philosophical saying. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 進退有度?
In Mandarin it is jìn tuì yǒu dù. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 進退有度 aloud in Mandarin.