得手

• Pinyin: dé shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 得 = 彳 + 旦 + 寸 (to obtain); 手 = pictograph of a hand

Meaning

To succeed; to pull off; to go as planned. Describes completing a mission or scheme successfully, often with an element of cunning or strategy.

Has a slightly strategic or cunning connotation — often used when someone achieves a goal through effort or cleverness. Can apply to legitimate endeavours and underhanded ones alike.

Examples

1. 小偷趁人不备，顺利得手后迅速逃离现场。 The thief took advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention, got away with it, and quickly fled the scene.
2. 谈判代表终于在最后一轮讨论中得手，签下了合同。 The negotiators finally pulled it off in the last round of talks and signed the contract.
3. 他连续几次计谋都未能得手，深感沮丧。 Several of his schemes in a row failed, and he felt deeply discouraged.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, crime, negotiation, strategy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 骗子在多个城市行骗得手，最终落入法网。(The fraudster successfully deceived victims in multiple cities before finally being caught.)
• 经过数月谈判，公司终于在并购交易中得手。(After months of negotiation, the company finally succeeded in the acquisition deal.)

Don't Say

• 我的计划得手了 — acceptable but sounds mildly cunning; use 我的计划成功了 for neutral contexts

Origin & History

得 (obtain) + 手 (hand) — literally 'getting it into your hands'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal