长袖善舞 long sleeves, good at dancing
Explanation
原指袖子长，跳舞方便。后形容人善于逢迎、玩弄权术。
Originally referred to long sleeves being convenient for dancing. Later it was used to describe people who are skilled in social maneuvering and political games.
Origin Story
战国时期，魏国人范雎仕秦，深受秦昭王赏识。燕国人蔡泽前来拜访范雎，劝他急流勇退。范雎将蔡泽引荐给秦昭王后，自己果然激流勇退。司马迁评价道：“长袖善舞，多钱善贾。”这说明，有能力的人，可以更好地利用自己的优势，取得成功。范雎凭借自己的才华和智慧，在秦国取得了很高的地位，但他并没有因此而骄傲自满，而是选择了在适当的时候退出，这是一种非常明智的选择。长袖善舞，不仅需要一定的技巧和能力，更需要智慧和远见。
During the Warring States period, Fan Ju, a man from the state of Wei, served under the Qin dynasty and gained the favor of King Zhao of Qin. Cai Ze, a man from the state of Yan, visited Fan Ju and advised him to retire. After Fan Ju introduced Cai Ze to King Zhao of Qin, he indeed retired. Sima Qian commented: “Long sleeves are good for dancing, and much money is good for trading.” This shows that capable people can better utilize their strengths and achieve success. Fan Ju, through his talent and wisdom, achieved a high position in the Qin state, but he did not become arrogant and complacent, instead choosing to retire at the right time, which was a very wise decision. Having long sleeves and being good at dancing requires not only skill and ability but also wisdom and foresight.
Usage
形容人善于钻营、玩弄权术。
Describes someone skilled in social maneuvering and political games.
Examples
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他长袖善舞，在官场上混得风生水起。
tā cháng xiù shàn wǔ, zài guānchǎng shang hùn de fēng shēng qǐ qǐ.
He is skilled in social maneuvering and is doing very well in his official career.
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商场如战场，只有长袖善舞的人才能立于不败之地。
shāngchǎng rú zhànchǎng, zhǐyǒu cháng xiù shàn wǔ de rén cái néng lì yú bù bài zhī dì.
The business world is like a battlefield; only those skilled in social maneuvering can remain undefeated.
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他长袖善舞，很快就得到了提拔。
tā cháng xiù shàn wǔ, hěn kuài jiù dédào le tíbá
He is skilled in social maneuvering and quickly got promoted.