Chinese Idiom: 天翻地覆 (Tian Fan Di Fu) English Translation: Earth-Shattering Changes pīn yīn: tiān fān dì fù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes profound and dramatic changes that are unexpected and significant. It suggests a transformation so extreme that it feels as though the world has been turned upside down. Historical Source: From the Tang Dynasty, […]
Chinese Idiom: 天罗地网 (Tian Luo Di Wang) English Translation: Heaven’s Net and Earth’s Web pīn yīn: tiān luó dì wǎng Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a situation where the net of heaven and earth is cast, meaning the surroundings are so tightly secured that there is no way to escape. “罗” refers
Chinese Idiom: 天经地义 (Tian Jing Di Yi) English Translation: Heaven’s Law and Earth’s Principle pīn yīn: tiān jīng dì yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to principles that are correct, unchangeable, and thus indisputable. “经” (jīng) refers to rules or principles, while “义” (yì) refers to righteousness or moral standards. Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (左传)
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Chinese Idiom: 无可奈何 (Wu Ke Nai He) English Translation: There is Nothing that can be Done pīn yīn: wú kě nài hé Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where one feels unwilling or unhappy about something but finds that there is no way to change it or do anything about it. Historical Source: Records
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Chinese Idiom: 五日京兆 (Wu Ri Jing Zhao) English Translation: Five Days as the Governor of Jingzhao pīn yīn: wǔ rì jīng zhào Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where someone is in a position of authority or office for a very brief period, often implying that their tenure is fleeting or temporary. Historical
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Chinese Idiom: 文武并用 (Wen Wu Bing Yong) English Translation: Combining Both Civil and Military Measures pīn yīn: wén wǔ bìng yòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies the importance of balancing both intellectual (civil) and martial (military) capabilities for effective governance and long-term stability. It reflects the idea that both cultural achievements and military strength are
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Chinese Idiom: 以卵击石 (Yi Luan Ji Shi) English Translation: Strike a Stone with an Egg pīn yīn: yǐ luǎn jī shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone makes an attempt to confront or challenge a far superior force or obstacle, knowing that the effort will be futile and lead to failure. Historical Source:
Chinese Idiom: 以邻为壑 (Yi Lin Wei He) English Translation: Use Neighboring Regions as a Ditch pīn yīn: yǐ lín wéi hè Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of transferring one’s own problems or troubles onto others, causing them to suffer instead. Historical Source: Mencius (《孟子·告子下》) Idiom Story During the Warring States period, there was
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Chinese Idiom: 开门揖盗 (Kai Men Yi Dao) English Translation: Open the door and invite in the thief pīn yīn: kāi mén yī dào Idiom Meaning: Refers to inviting trouble or danger by one’s own actions; metaphorically, it means to bring harm upon oneself by inadvertently welcoming it. Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms by
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Chinese Idiom: 今是昨非 (Jin Shi Zuo Fei) English Translation: Now is correct, while the past was wrong pīn yīn: jīn shì zuó fēi Idiom Meaning: Indicates that the current situation is correct and the previous one was mistaken, often implying a sense of regret and realization. Historical Source: Return to the Field (《归去来辞》) by Tao
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