Chinese Idiom: 感恩图报 (Gan En Tu Bao) English Translation: Gratefulness and Plans for Repayment pīn yīn: gǎn ēn tú bào Idiom Meaning: To feel gratitude for the kindness of others and to find ways to repay it. Historical Source: From Guwen Guanzhi (古文观止) – a collection of classic essays, specifically from the letter “To Ouyang […]
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Chinese Idiom: 痴人说梦 (Chi Ren Shuo Meng) English Translation: The Fool Speaks of Dreams pīn yīn: chī rén shuō mèng Idiom Meaning: Refers to foolish people speaking absurd words; also used to mock someone for saying ridiculous things based on unrealistic fantasies. Historical Source: From Cold Studio Night Talks (冷斋夜话) by Song dynasty monk Huihong
Chinese Idiom: 鹏程万里 (Peng Cheng Wan Li) English Translation: A Thousand Miles of the Roc’s Journey pīn yīn: péng chéng wàn lǐ Idiom Meaning: To describe grand aspirations and an unlimited future. Historical Source: From Zhuangzi (庄子), specifically the chapter “Free and Easy Wandering” (逍遥游). Idiom Story: “Free and Easy Wandering” is one of the
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Chinese Idiom: 嫁祸于人 (Jia Huo Yu Ren) English Translation: Transfer Misfortune to Others pīn yīn: jià huò yú rén Idiom Meaning: To shift blame or misfortune onto someone else. Historical Source: From the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), specifically the “House of Zhao” (赵世家). Idiom Story: In the fourth year of King Xiaocheng of
Chinese Idiom: 暗箭伤人 (An Jian Shang Ren) English Translation: Hidden Arrows Wound People pīn yīn: àn jiàn shāng rén Idiom Meaning: Describes the act of harming others secretly, taking advantage of their unpreparedness. Historical Source: From Zuo Zhuan (《左传·隐公十一年》). Idiom Story: In 712 BC, the Duke of Zheng, Zheng Zhuang Gong, received support from the
Chinese Idiom: 暗度陈仓 (An Du Chen Cang) English Translation: Secretly Passing Through Chen Cang pīn yīn: àn dù chén cāng Idiom Meaning: Originally refers to a military strategy of deceiving the enemy at the front while launching a surprise attack from the side; it also metaphorically describes activities conducted secretly. Historical Source: From the Book
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Chinese Idiom: 塞翁失马 (Sai Weng Shi Ma) English Translation: The Old Man Loses His Horse pīn yīn: sài wēng shī mǎ Idiom Meaning: This idiom illustrates that what seems like a misfortune may turn out to be a blessing, and vice versa. It highlights the unpredictability of life and that losses can sometimes lead to
Chinese Idiom: 路人皆知 (Lu Ren Jie Zhi) English Translation: Known by All Passersby pīn yīn: lù rén jiē zhī Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to something that is widely known or obvious to everyone, often used to describe someone’s intentions or ambitions that are apparent to all. Historical Source: From “Records of the Three Kingdoms”
Chinese Idiom: 解铃还须系铃人 (Jie Ling Hai Xu Xi Ling Ren) English Translation: To Untie the Bell, One Must Find the Person Who Tied It pīn yīn: jiě líng hái xū xì líng rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom implies that a problem or knot that one has created must be solved by the same person; it
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Chinese Idiom: 解衣推食 (Jie Yi Tui Shi) English Translation: Doffing Clothes and Pushing Food pīn yīn: jiě yī tuī shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of selflessly sharing one’s clothing and food with others, symbolizing deep care and affection for them. Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·淮阴侯列传》). Idiom Story:
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