# 双管齐下

shuāng guǎn qí xià

Use two approaches at the same time

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Work with two brushes together

**Traditional Chinese:** 雙管齊下

**Register:** Practical · general

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

## When to use it

Describe coordinated methods addressing one goal.

The approaches should complement each other.

## Understanding the expression

Two brushes working together suggest more than simply doing unrelated tasks at once. The phrase usually describes two methods aimed at the same goal, each contributing something the other cannot provide alone. A team might combine training with better equipment, or prevention with enforcement. It emphasizes coordinated effort from two directions. Explain both methods when possible so the reader can see why using them together helps solve the problem.

## Examples

节水和修管双管齐下。

### Traditional Chinese

節水和修管雙管齊下。

jié shuǐ hé xiū guǎn shuāng guǎn qí xià 。

Save water and repair pipes together.

我们从宣传和培训双管齐下。

### Traditional Chinese

我們從宣傳和培訓雙管齊下。

wǒ men cóng xuān chuán hé péi xùn shuāng guǎn qí xià 。

We will combine publicity with training.

学校双管齐下，改善饮食和运动。

### Traditional Chinese

學校雙管齊下，改善飲食和運動。

xué xiào shuāng guǎn qí xià ， gǎi shàn yǐn shí hé yùn dòng 。

The school improves diet and exercise together.

她双管齐下，既听录音又练对话。

### Traditional Chinese

她雙管齊下，既聽錄音又練對話。

tā shuāng guǎn qí xià ， jì tīng lù yīn yòu liàn duì huà 。

She combines listening to recordings with conversation practice.

## 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=%E9%9B%99%E7%AE%A1%E9%BD%8A%E4%B8%8B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=87&webMd=1&la=0)

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