得心应手 déxīn-yìngshǒu literally what the heart wishes, the hand accomplishes skilled at the job
literally what the heart wishes, the hand accomplishes (idiom) skilled at the job; entirely in one's element; going smoothly and easily
How to remember 得心应手: 得 get + 心 heart + 应 should + 手 hand = literally what the heart wishes, the hand accomplishes skilled at the job.
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How it is used
- Describes doing something with fluent, effortless mastery - 他做这行做得得心应手 (tā zuò zhè háng zuò de déxīn-yìngshǒu) he's completely in his element in this line of work.
- Stresses skill flowing smoothly from long practice; 熟能生巧 (shú néng shēng qiǎo) is the process, 得心应手 is the achieved state.
- Often about a tool, skill, or job going smoothly; contrast the struggling 力不从心 (heart willing but strength lacking).