throw a long line to catch a big fish — adopt a long-term plan to secure sth big

throw a long line to catch a big fish — adopt a long-term plan to secure sth big

It means to plan for the long run. Although it doesn't work immediately, it will get more benefits in the future.

It comes from Shi Chengjin's "three episodes of heirloom" in Qing Dynasty: "if the line is long, the fish will catch big."

If you want to do such a thing, you have to. (Rodin's dawn of wind and rain)

Idioms and allusions

It comes from Liu Ye of the Three Kingdoms. Liu Ye is the descendant of Liu Yan, the son of Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty. He lived in Cao Cao, Cao Pi and Cao Rui, and was a senior member of the three dynasties of Cao Wei. The allusion originated from Cao Rui, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who planned to invade Shu to seek the opinions of his courtiers. Liu Ye, one of the ministers, was highly respected by the emperor. When the emperor attacked Shu, the court officials both inside and outside said that it was impossible. When ye comes in to discuss with the emperor, he says that he can cut down; when ye comes out to discuss with the court officials, he says that he cannot. Ye has courage and wisdom, and all words are tangible. Yang Ji, the leader of the Chinese army, was a close official of the emperor. He also attached great importance to ye, and held that ye was the most resolute. Every time he came out from the inside, he often passed ye, and ye said that ye could not be defeated. Later, he discussed with the emperor about the incident of cutting Shu and remonstrated with him. The emperor said, "how can you know about the military affairs, scholar Qing?" Ji Xie said: "the sincerity of the minister's words is not enough. Liu Ye, the minister in charge, and the former Emperor's counsellor, are always in charge of Shu." The emperor said, "Ye and I say Shu can be cut." Ji said: "Ye can summon the pledge." The imperial edict called Ye, but the emperor asked ye, but he did not say anything. Later, ye reproached the emperor and said, "when you invade the country, you have a big plan. When you hear about the plan, you are often afraid that you may leak your dream to benefit your officials. How dare you tell people about it! Men and soldiers are also crafty, and they are never tired of their secrets. Your majesty obviously revealed it. I'm afraid the enemy has heard about it. " So the Emperor gave thanks. Ye saw that he was responsible and said, "if a man catches a big fish, he will follow it. If he can control it, then he will lead it. The power of man is nothing but a big fish! The son is honest and upright, but his plan is not enough, so he must think carefully. " Thank you very much. When Chairman Mao read this passage, he made such comments: "this biography can be read. It's from Liu Ye to fish for a long time. "

Extension

Only when you want to do things in the long run can you get more.