如意算盘 (rú yì suàn pán) — wishful thinking; smug calculation
Definition
A set phrase for 'wishful thinking' — plans or expectations that ignore reality. Almost always used with 打 (dǎ) in 打如意算盘, and carries a negative tone, unlike a neutral 'plan' (计划).
noun
wishful thinkingsmug calculation
Examples
- 如意算盘，。Nǐ bié dǎ rú yì suàn pán le, zhè jiàn shì méi nà me jiǎn dān.Stop your wishful thinking — this matter isn't that simple.
- 如意算盘，。Tā de rú yì suàn pán luò kōng le, jì huà bù dé bù qǔ xiāo.His wishful thinking fell through, and the plan had to be cancelled.
- 如意算盘，。Nǐ zǒng shì dǎ rú yì suàn pán, què cóng bù kǎo lǜ shí jì qíng kuàng.You're always engaging in wishful thinking, but you never consider the actual situation.
Appears in
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