進退有常 jìn tuì yǒu cháng

act with proper advance and retreat

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
進 jìn
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