进退有常 jìn tuì yǒu cháng

act with proper advance and retreat; be measured

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to advance or retreat, each has its rules (idiom from Zhuangzi); many translations are possible

Characters

Character Meaning
进 jìn HSK 2
to enter; to go in; to go forward
退 tuì HSK 5
to withdraw; to retreat; to move back
有 yǒu HSK 1
to have; there is; there are
常 cháng HSK 2
often; frequently; always