始于足下 (shǐ yú zú xià) — (set phrase) a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; great undertakings start from small beginnings

Definition

Set phrase from Laozi: 'every great undertaking starts from a single, small step' — used to urge patience and to begin with humble, concrete actions rather than chasing grand results.

verb
(set phrase) a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single stepgreat undertakings start from small beginnings

Examples

  • 始于足下
    Gǔ rén shuō: "qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià." zhè jù huà gào sù wǒ men zuò shì yào cóng xiǎo shì zuò qǐ.
    The ancients said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This saying tells us that we should start from small things.
  • 始于足下
    Rèn hé wěi dà de shì yè dōu shǐ yú zú xià, bù néng jí yú qiú chéng.
    Any great undertaking starts from a single step; you cannot rush for success.
  • 始于足下
    Tā míng bai shǐ yú zú xià de dào lǐ, suǒ yǐ cóng zuì jī chǔ de gōng zuò kāi shǐ zuò qǐ.
    He understands the principle that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so he started from the most basic work.

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.