諺語 · a single proverb
勢在必行
Simplified: 势在必行
What does 勢在必行 (shì zài bì xíng) mean?
勢在必行 (shì zài bì xíng) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "the momentum makes action inevitable." In use it means: When conditions have built to the point where something must happen, further debate is wasted. The momentum has made the decision. The only question is when, not whether. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Fire note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Tiger.
Literally: "the momentum makes action inevitable."
The reading
The boulder is already rolling. You can discuss whether it should have been pushed or not. The boulder does not care about your discussion. Some actions become inevitable long before they happen, and recognizing the point of inevitability is the difference between leading the change and being run over by it.
What kind of proverb it is
Source classical expression; used in political and strategic contexts since Han dynasty
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 Courage & Decisive Action, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Tiger, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 勢在必行 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 勢在必行 (shì zài bì xíng) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from classical expression; used in political and strategic contexts since Han dynasty. 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 勢在必行?
In Mandarin it is shì zài bì xíng. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 勢在必行 aloud in Mandarin.