Chinese idiom · 成语
远见卓识
Meaning
Far sight, outstanding insight; visionary wisdom.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary appraisalJiao Hong's Ming-period Yu Tang Cong Yu, volume 4, compares the talented Xie Jin with the earlier court wit Dongfang Shuo. It then judges that Dongfang Shuo did not match Xie Jin in far-sighted judgment. The exact expression appears in this appraisal: the point is not simply clever conversation, but the ability to understand matters deeply and see beyond the immediate situation.
This is an identifiable written use, not proof of the phrase's first invention. The expression subsequently became a general compliment for sound long-range insight. It suits a decision whose value becomes clearer over time, rather than merely an unusual idea or an optimistic prediction.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
十年前就开始保护湿地，足见她的远见卓识。
Her decision to start protecting the wetlands ten years ago shows remarkable foresight.
A complimentary expression for well-founded, far-sighted judgment.