一劳永逸 (yī láo yǒng yì)

idiom (chengyu) HSK 5

Traditional 一勞永逸

yī láo yǒng yì

to solve a problem once and for all · one effort brings lasting benefit

Meaning

This chengyu describes a solution that requires effort once but eliminates the problem permanently. It means doing something thoroughly the first time so you never have to deal with it again. The phrase emphasizes the value of investing effort upfront to achieve lasting results.

Usage

Used primarily in written or formal contexts to describe comprehensive solutions, permanent fixes, or policies that solve problems definitively. Often appears in discussions about planning, reform, and problem-solving strategies. Can be used as an attributive modifier or as a predicate.

Examples

01
我们需要找到一劳永逸的解决方案，而不是临时措施。
Wǒmen xūyào zhǎo dào yī láo yǒng yì de jiějué fāng'àn, ér bùshì línshí cuòshī.
We need to find a once-and-for-all solution, not a temporary measure.
02
他想一劳永逸地把这个问题彻底解决掉。
Tā xiǎng yī láo yǒng yì de bǎ zhège wèntí chè dǐ jiějué diào.
He wants to solve this problem once and for all.

Characters

Common collocations

一劳永逸的办法
yī láo yǒng yì de bàn fǎ
a once-and-for-all solution
一劳永逸地解决
yī láo yǒng yì de jiě jué
to solve once and for all
没有一劳永逸的事
méi yǒu yī láo yǒng yì de shì
there's no such thing as a permanent solution

Antonyms

Origin

Literally translates to 'one labor, eternal ease.' The idiom comes from the Han Dynasty work 'Explanations of Names' (释名). It captures the idea that one period of hard work can bring permanent comfort and freedom from future toil.