# 举足轻重

jǔ zú qīng zhòng

Play a decisive and influential role

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A lifted foot shifts the balance

**Traditional Chinese:** 舉足輕重

**Register:** Respectful · formal

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

## When to use it

Describe major influence on an outcome.

Important does not mean solely responsible.

## Understanding the expression

The image is of a balance sensitive enough that one movement changes which side weighs more. Modern use describes a person, organization, or factor with major influence on a result. It often appears in business, policy, and teamwork. The role may operate quietly rather than visibly. Calling something decisive does not mean all other contributions are irrelevant; it identifies a point whose change can strongly affect the overall outcome.

## Examples

她在团队中举足轻重。

### Traditional Chinese

她在團隊中舉足輕重。

tā zài tuán duì zhōng jǔ zú qīng zhòng 。

She plays a crucial role in the team.

交通对城市发展举足轻重。

### Traditional Chinese

交通對城市發展舉足輕重。

jiāo tōng duì chéng shì fā zhǎn jǔ zú qīng zhòng 。

Transport is crucial to the city's development.

这个零件的作用举足轻重。

### Traditional Chinese

這個零件的作用舉足輕重。

zhè ge líng jiàn de zuò yòng jǔ zú qīng zhòng 。

This component has a critical function.

小企业在当地经济中举足轻重。

### Traditional Chinese

小企業在當地經濟中舉足輕重。

xiǎo qǐ yè zài dāng dì jīng jì zhōng jǔ zú qīng zhòng 。

Small businesses have major influence in the local economy.

## 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=%E8%88%89%E8%B6%B3%E8%BC%95%E9%87%8D)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=239&webMd=1&la=0)

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