得过且过
Dé guò qiě guò
Literal Meaning: “Get by and just get by.”
The phrase describes a mindset of settling for the bare minimum and not striving for improvement or progress.
Figurative Meaning: It is used to criticise someone who lives aimlessly, without goals or ambition, and goes through the motions of life without making an effort to achieve more. It emphasises the importance of having purpose and striving for better outcomes.
Usage Example: 他对工作总是得过且过，从不追求进步。
Hanyu Pinying: Tā duì gōngzuò zǒngshì dé guò qiě guò, cóng bù zhuīqiú jìnbù.
English Meaning: He always just gets by at work and never strives for improvement.
Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23 (NIV): “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This directly challenges the 得过且过 mentality by calling for wholehearted effort rather than just getting by.
