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看菜吃饭,量体裁衣

Kàn cài chīfàn, liàng tǐ cái yī
Eat according to the dishes, cut clothes according to the figure.

Look dish eat rice, measure body cut clothes

This means you should adapt your actions and expectations to...

This means you should adapt your actions and expectations to your actual circumstances and resources. Don't overreach or set unrealistic goals; instead, act pragmatically based on what you have.

This saying reflects the Chinese pragmatic worldview, emphasizing flexibility and situational awareness. It's often used in business or personal planning to advocate for realistic budgeting and goal-setting.

Someone might say this when a friend plans an extravagant wedding on a modest salary, or when a startup overestimates its market.

It promotes prudence and adaptability, core values in a culture that values long-term stability over risky ambition. The saying warns against vanity and encourages grounded decision-making.

#wisdom #caution #money

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