# 曲突徙薪

qū tū xǐ xīn

Take precautions before trouble arises

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Bend the chimney and move the firewood

**Register:** Practical · literary

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

## When to use it

Praise preventive changes that reduce danger.

Usually concrete prevention, not vague worry.

## Understanding the expression

A chimney and nearby firewood create a fire risk that can be reduced before flames spread. The expression focuses on changing dangerous conditions early, rather than waiting to become a hero during a crisis. Modern use suits maintenance, planning, and risk prevention. It values quiet preparation that may receive little attention when it works. The key is a practical step tied to a recognizable danger, not endless speculation about unlikely disasters.

## Examples

定期检修是曲突徙薪。

### Traditional Chinese

定期檢修是曲突徙薪。

dìng qī jiǎn xiū shì qū tū xǐ xīn 。

Regular inspection is practical prevention.

她建议曲突徙薪，先修老电线。

### Traditional Chinese

她建議曲突徙薪，先修老電線。

tā jiàn yì qū tū xǐ xīn ， xiān xiū lǎo diàn xiàn 。

She recommends preventing trouble by repairing old wiring first.

备好排水设备，可以曲突徙薪。

### Traditional Chinese

備好排水設備，可以曲突徙薪。

bèi hǎo pái shuǐ shè bèi ， kě yǐ qū tū xǐ xīn 。

Preparing drainage equipment can prevent trouble.

别只夸救火，也要重视曲突徙薪。

### Traditional Chinese

別隻誇救火，也要重視曲突徙薪。

bié zhī kuā jiù huǒ ， yě yào zhòng shì qū tū xǐ xīn 。

Value prevention as well as emergency response.

## 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=%E6%9B%B2%E7%AA%81%E5%BE%99%E8%96%AA)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=162&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [燃眉之急 rán méi zhī jí A pressing emergency ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ran-mei-zhi-ji)

- [人浮于事 rén fú yú shì Have more staff than useful work ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ren-fu-yu-shi)

- [三思而行 sān sī ér xíng Think carefully before acting ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/san-si-er-xing)

- [山穷水尽 shān qióng shuǐ jìn Reach a point with no apparent way forward ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/shan-qiong-shui-jin)

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