# 一板一眼

yī bǎn yī yǎn

Proceed precisely and methodically

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One strong beat and one measured beat

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Describe orderly speech, action, or strict procedure.

Can praise precision or imply stiffness.

## Understanding the expression

Measured beats provide an image of actions following a clear rhythm without skipping steps. The expression describes careful, methodical delivery or adherence to a prescribed pattern. A child may recite with deliberate precision, or a worker may follow every step of a procedure. The tone can praise reliability, but it can also suggest stiffness when flexibility is needed. The surrounding situation determines whether regularity is an advantage or a limitation.

## Examples

她一板一眼地检查设备。

### Traditional Chinese

她一板一眼地檢查設備。

tā yī bǎn yī yǎn dì jiǎn chá shè bèi 。

She checked the equipment carefully and methodically.

孩子一板一眼地背课文。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子一板一眼地背課文。

hái zi yī bǎn yī yǎn dì bèi kè wén 。

The child recited the lesson with deliberate precision.

他做事一板一眼，从不跳步骤。

### Traditional Chinese

他做事一板一眼，從不跳步驟。

tā zuò shì yī bǎn yī yǎn ， cóng bú tiào bù zhòu 。

He works methodically and never skips steps.

他的笑话讲得一板一眼，反而有趣。

### Traditional Chinese

他的笑話講得一板一眼，反而有趣。

tā de xiào huà jiǎng dé yī bǎn yī yǎn ， fǎn ér yǒu qù 。

He told the joke with such measured seriousness that it became amusing.

## 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=%E4%B8%80%E6%9D%BF%E4%B8%80%E7%9C%BC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=796&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

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- [一挥而就 yī huī ér jiù Complete writing or art in one fluent burst ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yi-hui-er-jiu)

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