左右逢源 (zuǒ yòu féng yuán) — to have everything going one's way; to benefit from both sides; (often derogatory) to be smooth and slick in social relations, to curry favor from all sides
Definition
Idiom: 'gain advantage from both sides.' Often derogatory — a slick person who curries favor everywhere, rather than the neutral idea of benefiting from two sources.
idiom
to have everything going one's wayto benefit from both sides(often derogatory) to be smooth and slick in social relations, to curry favor from all sides
Examples
- ，左右逢源，。Tā píng jiè chū sè de néng lì, zài gōng sī lǐ zuǒ yòu féng yuán, shì yè zhēng zhēng rì shàng.Relying on his outstanding abilities, he has everything going his way at the company, and his career is thriving.
- 左右逢源，，。Zhè ge zhèng kè tài huì zuǒ yòu féng yuán le, duì shuí dōu shuō hǎo huà, jié guǒ méi rén zhēn zhèng xìn rèn tā.That politician is too smooth at playing both sides — he says nice things to everyone, and as a result, no one really trusts him.
- ，左右逢源，。Zuò zhè yì háng, rén mài guǎng cái néng zuǒ yòu féng yuán, kè hù hé gōng yìng shāng dōu yuàn yì hé zuò.In this line of work, you need a wide network to have opportunities from all sides — both clients and suppliers are willing to cooperate.
Origin
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