# 好事多磨

hǎo shì duō mó

Good outcomes often come after setbacks

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Good things undergo many trials

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Encourage patience when a worthwhile goal meets obstacles.

Not a guarantee that every troubled plan will succeed.

## Understanding the expression

A desired outcome is delayed or complicated by repeated difficulties. The expression offers consolation, reminding people that obstacles do not necessarily cancel the value of their goal. It often concerns relationships, travel plans, and long awaited projects. Its optimism should remain grounded: some problems reveal that a plan needs revision. The phrase supports patience and persistence when the purpose is still sound, rather than requiring endless endurance of avoidable harm.

## Examples

手续几次退回，真是好事多磨。

### Traditional Chinese

手續幾次退回，真是好事多磨。

shǒu xù jǐ cì tuì huí ， zhēn shì hǎo shì duō mó 。

The paperwork was returned several times; worthwhile outcomes can take persistence.

婚礼一再延期，大家说好事多磨。

### Traditional Chinese

婚禮一再延期，大家說好事多磨。

hūn lǐ yí zài yán qī ， dà jiā shuō hǎo shì duō mó 。

The wedding was repeatedly postponed, prompting encouragement that good things face setbacks.

好事多磨，展览终于开幕了。

### Traditional Chinese

好事多磨，展覽終於開幕了。

hǎo shì duō mó ， zhǎn lǎn zhōng yú kāi mù le 。

After many setbacks, the exhibition finally opened.

她相信好事多磨，但也认真修改计划。

### Traditional Chinese

她相信好事多磨，但也認真修改計劃。

tā xiāng xìn hǎo shì duō mó ， dàn yě rèn zhēn xiū gǎi jì huà 。

She believed setbacks could precede success and also carefully revised the plan.

## 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%A5%BD%E4%BA%8B%E5%A4%9A%E7%A3%A8)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=981&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

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- [化险为夷 huà xiǎn wéi yí Turn danger into safety ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hua-xian-wei-yi)

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