运筹帷幄 yùnchóu-wéiwò literally to devise battle plan in a tent
literally to devise battle plan in a tent (idiom); figuratively planning strategies
How to remember 运筹帷幄: 运 transport + 筹 chip + 帷 curtain + 幄 tent = literally to devise battle plan in a tent.
Characters
How it is used
- Idiom: to plan strategy from behind the scenes / mastermind operations - 他运筹帷幄,决胜千里 (tā yùnchóu-wéiwò, juéshèng qiānlǐ) he plans in his tent and wins battles a thousand miles away.
- Praises a leader's strategic command from headquarters, image from ancient generals directing war from their tent (帷幄).
- Formal, admiring register for masterful planning; often paired with 决胜千里. Use for high-level strategists, not everyday planning.