看菜吃饭 Cook according to the dishes
Explanation
比喻做事要根据具体情况而定,要灵活变通,不可墨守成规。
This idiom means that we should adapt our actions to the specific situation and circumstances. It is important to be flexible and not stick to rigid rules.
Origin Story
从前,有一个厨子,他做菜非常讲究。有一天,来了一个客人,客人说想吃鱼。厨子一看,鱼只有一条,不够做两道菜。于是,他灵机一动,先做了一道清蒸鱼,味道鲜美。接着,他又把鱼骨头熬汤,加了一些蔬菜,做了一道鲜美的鱼汤。客人吃得津津有味,赞不绝口。厨子说:"做菜要看菜吃饭,根据食材来决定做法,才能做出美味的菜肴。"
Once upon a time, there was a chef who was very particular about his cooking. One day, a guest came and asked for fish. The chef saw that there was only one fish, not enough for two dishes. So, he had a bright idea: he first made a steamed fish, which tasted delicious. Then, he used the fish bones to make a soup with some vegetables. The guest ate it with relish and praised the food. The chef said: "Cooking should depend on the ingredients to determine how to prepare the food, only then can delicious dishes be made."
Usage
用于形容做事要根据具体情况而定,要灵活变通,不可墨守成规。
Used to describe doing things should be based on the specific situation, be flexible and adaptable, and not stick to rigid rules.
Examples
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做事情要量力而行,看菜吃饭,量体裁衣。
zuò shì qing yào liàng lì ér xíng, kàn cài chī fàn, liàng tǐ cái yī
We should do things according to our abilities, cook according to the dishes, and tailor clothes according to the body shape.
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这次任务虽然很艰巨,但我们也要看菜吃饭,量力而为。
zhè cì rèn wù suī rán hěn jiān jù, dàn wǒ men yě yào kàn cài chī fàn, liàng lì ér wèi
Although this task is very arduous, we should also adjust our actions based on the situation and our capabilities