有的放矢 yǒudì-fàngshǐ literally to have a target in mind when shooting one's arrows
literally to have a target in mind when shooting one's arrows (idiom); figuratively to have a clear objective
How to remember 有的放矢: 有 have + 的 of + 放 put + 矢 arrow = literally to have a target in mind when shooting one's arrows.
Characters
How it is used
- Idiom 'to shoot with a target in mind' - to act with a clear objective - 有的放矢地解决问题.
- Note 的 read dì here (target), 矢 = arrow; contrasts with aimless, scattershot effort.
- Praises purposeful, targeted action; opposite of 无的放矢 (firing without a target) - 说话无的放矢 (shuōhuà wúdì-fàngshǐ) to talk without a clear aim.