Chinese Idiom: 想当然耳 (Xiang Dang Ran Er) English Translation: It Goes Without Saying pīn yīn: xiǎng dāng rán ěr Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to making judgments based solely on personal imagination or assumptions, without any objective facts. Historical Source: From The Book of the Later Han (《后汉书 · 孔融传》). Idiom Story: During the reign […]
Chinese Idiom: 愚公移山 (Yu Gong Yi Shan) English Translation: The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountains pīn yīn: yú gōng yí shān Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to having determination and perseverance in overcoming difficulties and obstacles. Historical Source: From the text Liezi (《列子 · 汤问》). Idiom Story: The story of “愚公移山” originates from
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Chinese Idiom: 满城风雨 (Man Cheng Feng Yu) English Translation: The City is Full of Wind and Rain pīn yīn: mǎn chéng fēng yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes how once something happens, it spreads quickly, causing a sensation and sparking widespread discussion. Historical Source: From Cold Studio Night Talks (《冷斋夜话》) by Shi Huihong during
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Chinese Idiom: 短兵相接 (Duan Bing Xiang Jie) English Translation: Close-Quarter Combat pīn yīn: duǎn bīng xiāng jiē Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes intense and fierce fighting between two sides at close range; it can also metaphorically refer to a direct and heated debate on a particular issue. Historical Source: From The National Mourning Song (《国殇》).
Chinese Idiom: 量才录用 (Liang Cai Lu Yong) English Translation: Assessing Talent for Employment pīn yīn: liàng cái lù yòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to assign appropriate jobs based on the assessment of a person’s talents and abilities. Historical Source: From The Book of Han (汉书), specifically the biography of Dong Zhongshu. Idiom Story: Dong
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Chinese Idiom: 量体裁衣 (Liang Ti Cai Yi) English Translation: Measuring the Body to Tailor Clothes pīn yīn: liàng tǐ cái yī Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to make decisions and handle problems based on actual circumstances. Historical Source: From Jiyuan Jisou by Zhao Jishi, a writer from the Qing Dynasty. Idiom Story: During the Ming
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Chinese Idiom: 集思广益 (Ji Si Guang Yi) English Translation: Gathering Thoughts for Greater Benefit pīn yīn: jí sī guǎng yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that one should leverage the collective wisdom of a group to arrive at more accurate opinions and to accomplish tasks more effectively. Historical Source: From Collected Works of Zhuge Liang
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Chinese Idiom: 悲欢离合 (Bei Huan Li He) English Translation: Sorrow and Joy, Separation and Reunion pīn yīn: bēi huān lí hé Idiom Meaning: It metaphorically describes the various emotions and experiences of life. Historical Source: From Su Shi’s poem Shui Diao Ge Tou (Water Melody) written during the Northern Song Dynasty. Idiom Story: According to
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Chinese Idiom: 揭竿而起 (Jie Gan Er Qi) English Translation: Raise the Pole and Rise pīn yīn: jiē gān ér qǐ Idiom Meaning: It metaphorically means to raise the banner of justice and rise in rebellion, often referring to popular uprisings against oppression. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically in the “Biography of
Chinese Idiom: 道听途说 (Dao Ting Tu Shuo) English Translation: Hearsay on the Road pīn yīn: dào tīng tú shuō Idiom Meaning: It refers to rumors or information heard along the way that lacks credible evidence; gossip. Historical Source: Lüshi Chunqiu (The Annals of Lü Buwei), specifically in the chapter “Investigation.” Idiom Story: Idiom Story: In
