be in one's element; perfectly placed; well-arranged
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesidiom
be in one's proper place; perfectly suited
literaryOriginally from *Mencius*. Describes a person, animal, or thing being in an environment perfectly suited to its nature.
Zhè这
tiáo条
yú鱼
yóu游
huí回
le了
dà大
hǎi海
，
zhēn真
shì是
dé得
qí其
suǒ所
zāi哉
。
This fish swam back to the ocean; it is truly in its proper place.
Tā他
rè热
ài爱
kē科
yán研
，
zài在
shí实
yàn验
shì室
gōng工
zuò作
kě可
wèi谓
dé得
qí其
suǒ所
zāi哉
。
He loves scientific research; working in the laboratory can be said to be him in his element.
idiom
perfectly arranged; to one's satisfaction
literaryDescribes a situation where all elements are well-arranged or handled satisfactorily.
Zhè这
cì次
huó活
dòng动
ān安
pái排
de得
jǐng井
jǐng井
yǒu有
tiáo条
，
dà大
jiā家
dōu都
jué觉
de得
dé得
qí其
suǒ所
zāi哉
。
This event was arranged perfectly in order; everyone feels it was perfectly arranged to their satisfaction.
Kàn看
dào到
ér儿
nǚ女
men们
dōu都
ān安
jū居
lè乐
yè业
，
lǎo老
rén人
xīn心
zhōng中
dé得
qí其
suǒ所
zāi哉
。
Seeing that his children are all settled and happy, the old man's heart is content.