1 lit. it takes a long time to make a big pot (idiom); fig. a great talent matures slowly
2 in the fullness of time a major figure will develop into a pillar of the state
3 Rome wasn't built in a day
工欲善其事,必先利其器
gōng yù shàn qí shì , bì xiān lì qí qì
1 To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools (idiom). Good tools are prerequisite to the successful execution of a job
投鼠忌器
tóu shǔ jì qì
1 lit. to refrain from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vases (idiom)
2 to not act against an evil so as to prevent harm to innocents
欲善其事,必先利其器
yù shàn qí shì , bì xiān lì qí qì
1 To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools (idiom). Good tools are prerequisite to the successful execution of a job
薰莸不同器
xūn yóu bù tóng qì
1 lit. fragrant herbs and foul herbs do not go into the same vessel (idiom)
2 bad people and good people do not mix
藏器待时
cáng qì dài shí
1 to conceal one's abilities and wait (idiom); to lie low and await the opportune moment
行行出状元
háng háng chū zhuàng yuán
1 lit. in every trade, a master appears (idiom); fig. You can produce outstanding achievements in any task, provided you put it enough love and diligence
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