# 通权达变

tōng quán dá biàn

Apply principles flexibly to changing circumstances

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Understand expediency and grasp change

**Traditional Chinese:** 通權達變

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

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

## When to use it

Praise informed adaptation rather than rigid rule following.

Flexibility is not an excuse for dishonesty.

## Understanding the expression

The expression concerns understanding how a principle should operate when conditions change. A capable decision maker distinguishes the purpose of a rule from its usual form and adjusts the method when necessary. This sounds more considered than a purely instinctive reaction. It does not permit abandoning all standards for convenience. The strongest use explains both the changed circumstances and the reason an adjusted approach still serves the underlying responsibility.

## Examples

她通权达变，临时调整配送路线。

### Traditional Chinese

她通權達變，臨時調整配送路線。

tā tōng quán dá biàn ， lín shí diào zhěng pèi sòng lù xiàn 。

She adapted wisely and temporarily changed the delivery route.

管理要通权达变，不能死守旧规。

### Traditional Chinese

管理要通權達變，不能死守舊規。

guǎn lǐ yào tōng quán dá biàn ， bù néng sǐ shǒu jiù guī 。

Management needs flexibility rather than rigidly clinging to old rules.

他通权达变，为病人简化手续。

### Traditional Chinese

他通權達變，為病人簡化手續。

tā tōng quán dá biàn ， wèi bìng rén jiǎn huà shǒu xù 。

He adapted the procedure thoughtfully to make it easier for the patient.

通权达变也要守住诚信。

### Traditional Chinese

通權達變也要守住誠信。

tōng quán dá biàn yě yào shǒu zhù chéng xìn 。

Even flexible adaptation must preserve honesty.

## 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%80%9A%E6%AC%8A%E9%81%94%E8%AE%8A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=813&webMd=1&la=0)

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