穷则思变 qióng zé sī biàn

hard times force change; seek new ways when poor

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. when you hit bottom, you have to come up with a new approach (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
穷 qióng HSK 4
poor; destitute; thoroughly
则 zé HSK 4
then; but; rule, standard
思 sī HSK 2
to think; to consider
变 biàn HSK 3
to change; to become different; to transform