The literal meaning of "一劳永逸" is "one effort, permanent ease"—emphasizing that through a single effort or sacrifice, a problem can be thoroughly solved, thereby gaining lasting relaxation and stability. It originates from Wang Chong's Lunheng of the Eastern Han dynasty, where the original text reads "一劳而久逸," which later evolved into the present idiom. This idiom is typically used to describe strategies or actions that, although requiring a relatively large upfront investment, can fundamentally eliminate future troubles and avoid repeated toil. It carries a distinctly positive connotation and is often used to praise farsighted approaches that thoroughly solve problems. It is commonly applied in contexts such as work planning, engineering construction, and institutional development—for example, "Establishing a comprehensive archival system, though time-consuming, is an act of one effort, permanent ease." It should be noted that it sometimes carries a slight hint of idealism or exaggeration, since in reality there are few absolute, permanent solutions of one effort, permanent ease. Emotionally, it conveys affirmation of and yearning for efficient, long-term solutions.
📝 Example
1. Rather than rushing to make emergency repairs every year, it would be better to replace all the aging pipes at once—that is the only way to solve the problem once and for all. (In this sentence, it means solving the problem thoroughly in one go, thereby securing long-term peace of mind.)
2. He spent three months developing an automated reporting tool, and from then on the monthly statistical work was settled once and for all. (In this sentence, it means that after a one-time investment, the follow-up work becomes easy and permanent.)