两全其美

Pinyin:liǎng quán qí měi

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📖 Meaning

Best of both worlds

📜 Origin

《晋书》

💡 Detailed Explanation

"Twofold Beauty" means that when doing things or handling problems, one can take into account the interests of both sides at the same time, so that both aspects are satisfactorily resolved and a happy outcome is achieved for all. This idiom emphasizes an idealized state of balance, attending to one side without harming the other. Its deeper meaning lies in the pursuit of harmony and win-win outcomes, avoiding either-or zero-sum thinking. It is commonly used in situations such as reconciling conflicts, formulating plans, and negotiations that require weighing the interests of multiple parties. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the ideas of the "Doctrine of the Mean" and "harmony and unity" in traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing overall harmony and relational balance. Its emotional tone is positive, carrying a sense of appreciation, affirmation, and aspiration, and it is often used to describe ingenious solutions or satisfactory results.

📝 Example

1. The company decided to let employees work from home, which can both improve work efficiency and save commuting time—truly killing two birds with one stone. (It benefits both the company and the employees.) 2. He brought his parents to live with him, which makes it easier to care for the elderly and also allows his children to receive their grandparents' love—one move that serves two ends. (It benefits both the elderly and the children.)