借水行舟 jièshuǐxíngzhōu to use others to achieve one's aims Origin Definitions Defs Strokes Stroke Words Sentences Sents 借 jiè noun to make use of to take advantage of an opportunity or situation; to avail oneself of; to rely on水 shuǐ noun river (bound form) a river; waterways or water routes行舟 xíngzhōu to sail a boat To pilot or navigate a boat; to travel by boat.