# 有条不紊

yǒu tiáo bù wěn

Proceed in an orderly, methodical way

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Have order without disorder

**Traditional Chinese:** 有條不紊

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

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

## When to use it

Praise clear organization under ordinary or difficult conditions.

Order does not automatically mean speed.

## Understanding the expression

The work has a discernible sequence and does not fall into confusion. The expression describes tasks arranged so that people know what comes next and what belongs where. It is especially useful when praising calm performance during a busy period. The person may move slowly or quickly; the main quality is organized progress. A clear process can also remain flexible, adapting to new information without losing its overall structure.

## Examples

她有条不紊地整理文件。

### Traditional Chinese

她有條不紊地整理文件。

tā yǒu tiáo bù wěn dì zhěng lǐ wén jiàn 。

She organized the documents methodically.

撤离工作有条不紊。

### Traditional Chinese

撤離工作有條不紊。

chè lí gōng zuò yǒu tiáo bù wěn 。

The evacuation proceeded in an orderly manner.

他有条不紊地准备晚餐。

### Traditional Chinese

他有條不紊地準備晚餐。

tā yǒu tiáo bù wěn dì zhǔn bèi wǎn cān 。

He prepared dinner in a methodical way.

订单虽多，团队仍有条不紊。

### Traditional Chinese

訂單雖多，團隊仍有條不紊。

dìng dān suī duō ， tuán duì réng yǒu tiáo bù wěn 。

Despite many orders, the team remained well organized.

## 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%9C%89%E6%A2%9D%E4%B8%8D%E7%B4%8A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=820&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [有志竟成 yǒu zhì jìng chéng Determined effort can achieve a goal ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/you-zhi-jing-cheng)

- [愚公移山 yú gōng yí shān Persist through an enormous challenge ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yu-gong-yi-shan)

- [余音绕梁 yú yīn rào liáng A beautiful sound seems to linger ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yu-yin-rao-liang)

- [跃跃欲试 yuè yuè yù shì Be eager to give something a try ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yue-yue-yu-shi)

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