# 得意忘形

dé yì wàng xíng

Become carried away by success or delight

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Lose proper bearing through satisfaction

**Register:** Admonishing · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Warn against losing restraint after success.

Joy alone is not improper.

## Understanding the expression

Satisfaction grows so strong that the person forgets how to behave with reasonable restraint. Modern use often criticizes boasting, careless speech, or overconfidence after a success. It can also be playful about exuberant joy. The phrase does not forbid celebration. The concern is that pleasure makes someone ignore limits, other people's feelings, or the work still ahead, turning a positive moment into behavior that may create a new problem.

## Examples

赢了一局，别得意忘形。

### Traditional Chinese

贏了一局，別得意忘形。

yíng le yì jú ， bié dé yì wàng xíng 。

Do not get carried away after one win.

他得意忘形，开始嘲笑对手。

### Traditional Chinese

他得意忘形，開始嘲笑對手。

tā dé yì wàng xíng ， kāi shǐ cháo xiào duì shǒu 。

He became carried away and mocked his opponent.

她提醒团队不要得意忘形。

### Traditional Chinese

她提醒團隊不要得意忘形。

tā tí xǐng tuán duì bú yào dé yì wàng xíng 。

She reminds the team not to become overconfident.

孩子高兴得有些得意忘形。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子高興得有些得意忘形。

hái zi gāo xìng dé yǒu xiē dé yì wàng xíng 。

The child became a little carried away with delight.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BE%97%E6%84%8F%E5%BF%98%E5%BD%A2)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=262&webMd=1&la=0)

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