胸有成竹 xiōngyǒuchéngzhú to have a well-thought-out plan in mind
(idiom) to have a well-thought-out plan in mind
How to remember 胸有成竹: 胸 chest + 有 have + 成 to become + 竹 bamboo = to have a well-thought-out plan in mind.
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How it is used
- Idiom: to have a fully-formed plan in mind, hence total confidence - lit. 'to have a complete bamboo in one's chest' - 他胸有成竹地走上讲台 (tā xiōng yǒu chéng zhú de zǒu shàng jiǎngtái) he stepped to the podium fully prepared.
- From painting bamboo only after picturing it whole; means you're calmly assured because you're well prepared.
- Written, complimentary; the opposite of panicking or improvising.