The word 顺利 is formed by combining two characters: 顺, which means "smooth" or "to follow along", and 利, which means "sharp" or "beneficial". Their union creates a conceptual compound where the first character describes a favorable, unobstructed state or direction, and the second character reinforces this by adding a sense of advantageous effectiveness. Together, they metaphorically depict an endeavor that proceeds as smoothly and effectively as a sharp blade cutting without resistance, resulting in the combined meaning of "smoothly" or "without a hitch".