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一筆揮之

일필휘지 一筆揮之

To finish a piece of writing or a painting with a single, continuous stroke of the brush without hesitation.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

일필휘지 (一筆揮之) means "To finish a piece of writing or a painting with a single, continuous stroke of the brush without hesitation.". The idiom is composed of 'One' (一), 'Brush' (筆), 'Brandish/Swing' (揮), and 'It' (之), literally meani

1 Meaning

일필휘지 (一筆揮之) means “To finish a piece of writing or a painting with a single, continuous stroke of the brush without hesitation.”.

Il-pil-hwi-ji (一筆揮之) describes the act of completing a work of art or calligraphy in one bold, fluid motion. It represents a level of mastery where skill and spirit flow together without any interruption or doubt.

2 Examples

1

Drafting a script for a high-stakes project presentation.

After days of research, once inspiration strikes, completing the entire slide deck layout in just one hour.

2

A choreographer tasked with creating a new dance routine.

Immediately following the rhythm and letting the body move instinctively to map out the main routine in one take.

3

A high-level business meeting requiring an urgent crisis response.

Cutting through a complex debate to offer a single, piercing solution that addresses the heart of the problem.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “일필휘지” fits best.

3 Origin

The idiom is composed of 'One' (一), 'Brush' (筆), 'Brandish/Swing' (揮), and 'It' (之), literally meaning to finish it with one stroke. Historically, it refers to the legendary calligraphers and literati of the Tang Dynasty who, in a state of total immersion, produced masterpieces in a single sitting. This term does not merely celebrate speed; it signifies the culmination of years of practice and inner discipline that finally explodes into creative energy. In a modern context, this 'one-stroke' philosophy is often seen in high-performance arts and music, where a performer's long-term training manifests as a single, powerful, and unstoppable display of genius.

4 Key Lessons

1

Only those who are thoroughly prepared can seize a decisive moment without hesitation.

2

Uninterrupted execution can sometimes generate greater creative energy than meticulous perfectionism.

3

The power of deep immersion allows a single movement to have a world-changing impact.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

ignite

불을 붙이다, 점화하다

"The gas leak could ignite with a single spark."

shockwave

충격파

"The explosion sent a massive shockwave through the city."

wildfire

들불, 걷잡을 수 없이 번지는 불

"The news of the scandal spread like wildfire."

align

정렬하다, 나란히 하다

"Make sure the wheels are properly aligned."

6 Learn with Music

일필휘지 track image

일필휘지 Track

ONE STRIKE, ONE FLAME (一筆揮之)

고민과 준비는 이미 끝났고, 실행은 단 한 번의 움직임으로 완성되는 상태

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일필휘지

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