← IDIOMS · WISDOM
HSK 7-9
suífollowxīnheartsuǒwhatdesire
Do as one pleases; follow one's inclinations.

Literal meaning

follow (随) — heart (心) — what (所) — desire (欲)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase describing freedom to act according to one's desires.

Examples

Tuì退xiūhòuzhōngsuíxīnsuǒdeshēnghuóle
After retirement, he can finally live as he pleases.
Háizimenhuansuíxīnsuǒdewánshuǎ
Children like to play as they please.

Usage & nuances

Can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context; may imply selfishness or freedom.

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