Chinese idiom · 成语
上下同欲
Meaning
High and low share desires; unity of purpose.
Character by character
Origin and story
strategic maximThe phrase occurs in the Planning Attacks chapter of The Art of War, in a list of five conditions for recognizing likely victory. Alongside knowing when to fight, understanding how to use different troop strengths, meeting an unprepared enemy with preparation, and allowing a capable commander to act, the text places shared purpose between those above and below. Its original setting is the relationship between leaders and their forces. The point is coordinated commitment, not merely orders being issued from the top. Modern speakers extend it to organizations whose leadership and members genuinely work toward the same goal.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
这次改革要成功，关键在于上下同欲，而不只是领导喊口号。
For this reform to succeed, leaders and staff need to share its purpose; slogans from management are not enough.
Formal language for shared goals across organizational levels.