举足轻重 jǔzú-qīngzhòng to play a critical role (idiom)
to play a critical role (idiom); influential
How to remember 举足轻重: 举 lift + 足 foot + 轻 light + 重 heavy = to play a critical role (idiom).
Characters
How it is used
- Decisive / pivotal - of a person or factor whose slightest move tips the balance: 他在公司举足轻重 (tā zài gōngsī jǔzú-qīngzhòng) he plays a pivotal role in the company.
- Praises weight/influence, not skill; often 举足轻重的地位/作用 (a pivotal position/role).
- Literally 'lift a foot and it swings light-or-heavy' - one move decides the outcome.