# 十拿九稳

shí ná jiǔ wěn

Be almost certain to succeed

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Of ten attempts, nine are secure

**Traditional Chinese:** 十拿九穩

**Register:** Confident · general

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

## When to use it

Express strong confidence in an outcome.

Not a literal probability or a guarantee.

## Understanding the expression

Nine secure results out of ten make success seem highly likely while leaving a small margin for uncertainty. The expression describes confidence in a plan, prediction, or practical task. Preparation and experience often justify it. The number is conventional rather than a measured probability. It can sound reassuring or overconfident depending on evidence. A speaker should still consider what might fail instead of treating the phrase as permission to ignore the remaining risk.

## Examples

资料齐全，审批应该十拿九稳。

### Traditional Chinese

資料齊全，審批應該十拿九穩。

zī liào qí quán ， shěn pī yīng gāi shí ná jiǔ wěn 。

With complete documents, approval seems very likely.

他对这次考试十拿九稳。

### Traditional Chinese

他對這次考試十拿九穩。

tā duì zhè cì kǎo shì shí ná jiǔ wěn 。

He is very confident about the exam.

这件修理对她来说十拿九稳。

### Traditional Chinese

這件修理對她來說十拿九穩。

zhè jiàn xiū lǐ duì tā lái shuō shí ná jiǔ wěn 。

This repair is almost certain to succeed for her.

别说十拿九稳，天气还可能变化。

### Traditional Chinese

別說十拿九穩，天氣還可能變化。

bié shuō shí ná jiǔ wěn ， tiān qì hái kě néng biàn huà 。

Do not be too certain; the weather may change.

## 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%8D%81%E6%8B%BF%E4%B9%9D%E7%A9%A9)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=605&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

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