# 高枕无忧

gāo zhěn wú yōu

Rest easy without concern

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Sleep on a high pillow without worry

**Traditional Chinese:** 高枕無憂

**Register:** Reassuring or cautionary · general

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe feeling secure after a problem is addressed.

Can criticize premature complacency.

## Understanding the expression

A comfortable pillow suggests relaxed sleep, free from the need to keep watch. The expression describes security or confidence that a problem has been resolved. Modern use can be reassuring after preparation, but also skeptical when someone assumes too much. Having one safeguard does not guarantee every risk is gone. Context determines whether the speaker is praising sound security or warning that a person has settled into comfort before the danger is truly removed.

## Examples

备份做好后也不能高枕无忧。

### Traditional Chinese

備份做好後也不能高枕無憂。

bèi fèn zuò hǎo hòu yě bù néng gāo zhěn wú yōu 。

Even with backups, we cannot ignore all risks.

合同签妥，她终于高枕无忧。

### Traditional Chinese

合同簽妥，她終於高枕無憂。

hé tong qiān tuǒ ， tā zhōng yú gāo zhěn wú yōu 。

With the contract settled, she can finally rest easy.

一次胜利不代表高枕无忧。

### Traditional Chinese

一次勝利不代表高枕無憂。

yí cì shèng lì bú dài biǎo gāo zhěn wú yōu 。

One victory does not guarantee freedom from concern.

有稳定供水，村民可以高枕无忧。

### Traditional Chinese

有穩定供水，村民可以高枕無憂。

yǒu wěn dìng gōng shuǐ ， cūn mín kě yǐ gāo zhěn wú yōu 。

Reliable water lets villagers rest easy.

## 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=%E9%AB%98%E6%9E%95%E7%84%A1%E6%86%82)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=255&webMd=1&la=0)

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