# 轻举妄动

qīng jǔ wàng dòng

Act rashly without sufficient thought

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Move lightly and act recklessly

**Traditional Chinese:** 輕舉妄動

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Warn against impulsive action under uncertainty.

Often used in a negative instruction.

## Understanding the expression

The action is taken too lightly, without considering enough evidence or consequences. The expression commonly appears as a warning during negotiations, danger, or uncertainty: wait until the situation is clearer. It does not recommend permanent inaction. A careful person may eventually act decisively after checking the relevant facts. The criticism targets premature, poorly judged movement, especially when a rash choice could harm others or undermine a better plan.

## Examples

情况未明，别轻举妄动。

### Traditional Chinese

情況未明，別輕舉妄動。

qíng kuàng wèi míng ， bié qīng jǔ wàng dòng 。

Do not act rashly while the situation remains unclear.

他轻举妄动，泄露了计划。

### Traditional Chinese

他輕舉妄動，洩露了計劃。

tā qīng jǔ wàng dòng ， xiè lòu le jì huà 。

His rash action exposed the plan.

发现电线断裂，不要轻举妄动。

### Traditional Chinese

發現電線斷裂，不要輕舉妄動。

fā xiàn diàn xiàn duàn liè ， bú yào qīng jǔ wàng dòng 。

Do not act recklessly when you find a broken electrical wire.

她劝团队先调查，免得轻举妄动。

### Traditional Chinese

她勸團隊先調查，免得輕舉妄動。

tā quàn tuán duì xiān diào chá ， miǎn de qīng jǔ wàng dòng 。

She urged the team to investigate first to avoid rash action.

## 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%BC%95%E8%88%89%E5%A6%84%E5%8B%95)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=900&webMd=1&la=0)

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