有机可乘...
you ji ke cheng...
Opportunity to exploit...
Literally: Have (有) opportunity (机) can (可) ride/exploit (乘)
In 15 Seconds
- Finding a loophole or weakness to take advantage of.
- Commonly used in business, sports, and security contexts.
- Implies a strategic opening exists due to someone's mistake.
Meaning
This phrase describes a situation where there is a loophole or a weak spot that someone can take advantage of. It is like seeing a gap in a fence and realizing you can finally sneak through to get what you want.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a soccer game
对方防守出现了漏洞，让他有机可乘。
The opponent's defense had a hole, giving him an opportunity to exploit.
Discussing business competition
如果我们的产品不创新，竞争对手就会有机可乘。
If our products don't innovate, competitors will find an opening to exploit.
Warning a friend about a scam
别在网上随便发个人信息，小心让骗子有机可乘。
Don't post personal info online; be careful not to give scammers an opening.
Cultural Background
In Chinese business culture, '有机可乘' is often used in internal audits to warn employees about potential risks.
Context is key
Only use this when talking about a flaw or a bad situation.
In 15 Seconds
- Finding a loophole or weakness to take advantage of.
- Commonly used in business, sports, and security contexts.
- Implies a strategic opening exists due to someone's mistake.
What It Means
有机可乘 describes a situation where a gap exists. It means there is a vulnerability or a lapse in defense. You use it when someone finds a chance to strike. It often implies a bit of cleverness or even sneakiness. Think of it as finding the 'open window' in a locked house.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the end of a sentence. It describes a state of affairs or a specific opening. You can say someone is waiting for an 有机可乘 moment. It works well when discussing competition or security. It is a very punchy four-character idiom (chengyu). Use it to sound sharp and observant.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing business rivals or sports strategy. If a defender trips, the striker has an 有机可乘 moment. Use it when talking about cybersecurity or home safety. It is great for storytelling or analyzing a movie plot. Even in dating, if someone is newly single, a crush might see an opening. It adds a layer of strategic thinking to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for purely positive, lucky accidents. If you find twenty dollars on the street, that is just luck. 有机可乘 implies a specific weakness was exploited. Avoid using it in very emotional, tragic settings. It sounds a bit too calculating for a funeral or a breakup. It is not for 'taking a chance' on a dream. It is more about 'taking advantage' of a situation.
Cultural Background
This phrase has roots in ancient military strategy. In old China, battles were won by finding the enemy's lapse. It reflects a culture that values observation and timing. It is not always negative, but it is always strategic. It shows you understand the 'game' being played. It is a staple in historical dramas and business news.
Common Variations
You might hear 无机可乘, which is the exact opposite. That means there is 'no opening' or 'no way in.' People also use 乘虚而入, which means 'entering through the weakness.' Both focus on the idea of the 'gap.' 有机可乘 is the most common way to describe the opportunity itself. It makes you sound like a savvy strategist.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal but very common in daily speech. It carries a slightly opportunistic 'vibe,' so use it when there is a clear 'gap' or 'mistake' involved.
Context is key
Only use this when talking about a flaw or a bad situation.
Examples
6对方防守出现了漏洞，让他有机可乘。
The opponent's defense had a hole, giving him an opportunity to exploit.
Describes a physical or tactical opening in sports.
如果我们的产品不创新，竞争对手就会有机可乘。
If our products don't innovate, competitors will find an opening to exploit.
Used here to warn about market vulnerability.
别在网上随便发个人信息，小心让骗子有机可乘。
Don't post personal info online; be careful not to give scammers an opening.
A common cautionary use regarding security.
趁店员不注意，我终于有机可乘买到了最后一件！
While the clerk wasn't looking, I finally found the chance to grab the last one!
A lighthearted, slightly mischievous use.
系统漏洞使得黑客有机可乘。
System vulnerabilities allowed hackers an opportunity to exploit the network.
Standard professional phrasing for technical issues.
他们吵架的时候，正是别人有机可乘的时候。
When they fight, that's exactly when others find an opening to intervene.
Refers to social or emotional vulnerabilities.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
公司管理上的_____，让竞争对手有机可乘。
有机可乘 is used when there is a flaw (漏洞) to exploit.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises公司管理上的_____，让竞争对手有机可乘。
有机可乘 is used when there is a flaw (漏洞) to exploit.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it sounds like you are looking for a loophole to exploit.
Related Phrases
趁虚而入
similarTo enter through a weakness.
