zì lì
independent
self-reliant
self-sustaining
to stand on one's own feet
to support oneself
zì lǐ
to take care of oneself
to provide for oneself
zī lì
qualifications
experience
seniority
ǎi zi li bá jiāng jūn
lit. choose a general from among the dwarfs
fig. choose the best person available (out of a mediocre bunch)