想方设法

xiǎng fāng shè fǎ

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Uncommon

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Definitions

1. to think up every possible method (idiom); to devise ways and means
2. to try this, that and the other

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 束手无策 shù shǒu wú cè 束手无策 shù shǒu wú cè lit. to have one's hands bound and be unable to do anything about it (idiom); fig. helpless in the face of a crisis To be at a loss what to do; opposite of actively trying every method.: lit. to have one's hands bound and be unable to do anything about it (idiom); fig. helpless in the face of a crisis

Related words

1 item

• 费尽心机 fèi jìn xīn jī 费尽心机 fèi jìn xīn jī to rack one's brains for schemes (idiom) To rack one's brains; more negatively connotated than 想方设法.: to rack one's brains for schemes (idiom)

Synonyms

1 item

• 千方百计 qiān fāng bǎi jì 千方百计 qiān fāng bǎi jì lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means Both mean 'to try every possible way'.: lit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with 地 (de) before a verb, as in 想方设法地解决问题 (to try every means to solve the problem).

Formality

想方设法 is neutral in register; equally acceptable in spoken and written contexts.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他们 想方设法 解决了这个难题。

They tried every possible way and solved this difficult problem.

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Child Words of 想方设法

• 想 想 xiǎng: to think (about)
• 方 方 fāng: square
• 法 法 fǎ: France
• 设 设 shè: to set up; to put in place
• 设法 设法 shè fǎ: to try