Chinese idiom · 成语
高枕无忧
Meaning
To rest on a high pillow; free from worry.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical analogyIn Zhanguo Ce, Qi ce IV, Feng Xuan tells Lord Mengchang that a clever rabbit needs several refuges, and that possessing only one secure base is not enough to sleep peacefully. He has already won goodwill in Xue by canceling debts; further political safeguards are needed. The text uses 高枕而卧, lying down with one's pillow raised.
A parallel passage in Wei ce I promises a ruler peaceful sleep if a proposed foreign policy removes external threats. The image developed into 高枕无忧, complete ease without anxiety. It can describe real security or, when used critically, a mistaken belief that precautions and continued effort are unnecessary.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
装了新门锁也不能高枕无忧，出门还是要检查窗户。
A new door lock doesn't mean there's nothing left to worry about; we should still check the windows before leaving.
Often used with 不能 to warn against complacency.