事半功倍

shì bàn gōng bèi◆idiom

achieve twice the results with half the effort

通过使用新的软件，我们可以事半功倍地完成项目。

By using the new software, we can achieve twice the results with half the effort.

◆ What It Really Means

Achieving more with less effort through smart strategies or methods.

¶ Literal Meaning

Half the effort, twice the results.

Literal Breakdown

事半half the effort+功倍twice the results

◇ Mental Image

A balance scale where the effort side is lighter but the results side is heavier, symbolizing efficiency.

◈ When to Use

A manager praising an employee for finding a more efficient way to complete a project.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value of wisdom and strategy over brute force, rooted in ancient military and philosophical traditions.

informal

To accomplish more with less effort, often by using a smarter or more efficient method.

学习新的技巧可以让你事半功倍地完成任务。

Learning new techniques can help you achieve twice the results with half the effort.

This idiom emphasizes efficiency and smart work over brute force.

Collocations

事半功倍的方法an efficient method

Synonyms

一举两得四两拨千斤

Antonyms

事倍功半

Related Phrases

一举两得idiom

kill two birds with one stone

四两拨千斤idiom

use minimal effort to achieve maximum results

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This idiom is often used to praise someone's efficiency or to encourage a smarter approach to problem-solving.

Gold Rule

Key Concept

The idiom highlights the value of strategy and efficiency in achieving goals.

Word Origin

The idiom originates from ancient Chinese military strategy, emphasizing the importance of strategy over brute force.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe efficient or strategic approaches to tasks.

Word Breakdown

事半

half the effort

root

功倍

twice the results

root

汉英词典

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