yǒu有havedì的targetfàng放releaseshǐ矢arrow
To shoot an arrow at a target; to have a definite object in view; to be purposeful.
Literal meaning
have (有) — target (的) — release (放) — arrow (矢)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase, meaning to aim before shooting, implying purposefulness.
Examples
Wǒmen yào yǒudì-fàngshǐ de jiějué wèntí, bùnéng mángmù xíngdòng.我们要有的放矢地解决问题，不能盲目行动。
We must solve problems purposefully and not act blindly.
Zài xuéxí zhōng, wǒmen yào yǒudì-fàngshǐ, míngquè xuéxí mùbiāo.在学习中，我们要有的放矢，明确学习目标。
In learning, we must be purposeful and have clear learning goals.
Usage & nuances
Emphasizes the importance of having a clear goal and acting purposefully.
Learn idioms by speaking them
Idioms are most useful when they land in a real conversation. Practice them out loud in Kango — get instant feedback on tone and timing.
Download Kango on iOS