审时度势
shěn shí duó shì
to size up the situation and act accordingly
Character by character
审shěn
examine
examine
时shí
times
times
度duó
measure
measure
势shì
situation
situation
Example
面对突如其来的变化，经理审时度势，及时调整了销售计划。
Faced with sudden change, the manager sized up the situation and adjusted the sales plan in good time.
Tone: positive (praise).
Usage and origin
度 is read duó here (to estimate), not dù. It praises leaders and decision-makers who judge the moment well, and in commentary often runs into 适时: 审时度势，适时调整政策.
Learn this in Lesson 190 · HSK 7–9: 央行降息了 (The central bank cuts rates)
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