Chinese idiom · 成语
运筹帷幄
Meaning
To strategize within the tent; masterful planning.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical accountThe Records of the Grand Historian associates this expression with Zhang Liang, also known as Zifang, one of Liu Bang's key advisers. After establishing his rule, Liu Bang explains that he cannot match Zhang Liang at planning inside a command tent and determining victories far away. He separately praises Xiao He's administration and supplies and Han Xin's military command, crediting his success to employing their different strengths.
The author's own account of Zhang Liang likewise emphasizes planning and resolving difficult matters before they become overwhelming. 帷幄 is a curtained military tent, while 筹 suggests calculation and planning. The idiom now describes directing a strategy from behind the scenes, not necessarily taking part in the frontline action.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
活动当天，她在后台运筹帷幄，让接待、灯光和演出安排都顺利衔接。
On the day of the event, she coordinated the strategy backstage so that reception, lighting, and performances all ran smoothly together.
Praises someone who plans and directs a complex operation behind the scenes.