Chinese Idiom: 风雨飘摇 (Feng Yu Piao Yao) English Translation: Turmoil and Instability pīn yīn: fēng yǔ piāo yáo Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation that is highly unstable and chaotic, likened to a structure swaying in the wind and rain. It is often used to reflect periods of political or social instability. Historical Source: […]
Chinese Idiom: 双管齐下 (Shuang Guan Qi Xia) English Translation: Using both brushes simultaneously pīn yīn: shuāng guǎn qí xià Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the simultaneous and effective handling of two tasks or approaches. Historical Source: Tang Dynasty Minghua Lu (《唐朝名画录》) by Zhu Jingxuan. Idiom Story The idiom “双管齐下” comes from the unique painting
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Chinese Idiom: 开卷有益 (Kai Juan You Yi) English Translation: Reading is Always Rewarding pīn yīn: kāi juàn yǒu yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom encourages people to read more, suggesting that engaging with books is always beneficial and enriching. Historical Source: Song Shilu (《宋实录》) and Mianshui Yantan Lu (《渑水燕谈录》) by Wang Banzhi. Idiom Story The idiom
Chinese Idiom: 日暮途穷 (Ri Mu Tu Qiong) English Translation: The Sun Sets and the Road Ends pīn yīn: rì mù tú qióng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where all efforts have failed and there is no hope left. It conveys a sense of reaching the end of one’s resources or options. Historical Source:
Chinese Idiom: 尺短寸长 (Chi Duan Cun Chang) English Translation: Shortness of Foot and Length of Inch pīn yīn: chǐ duǎn cùn zhǎng Idiom Meaning: Every aspect of a situation or individual has its strengths and weaknesses. The idiom implies that everything has its advantages and disadvantages, and nothing is perfect in all respects. Historical Source:
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Chinese Idiom: 为人作嫁 (Wei Ren Zuo Jia) English Translation: Working Hard for Others’ Benefit pīn yīn: wéi rén zuò jià Idiom Meaning: Refers to working hard or making sacrifices for the benefit of others without gaining any personal reward. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of the Marquis of Huaiyin (史记·淮阴侯列传) Idiom Story
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Chinese Idiom: 犬牙交错 (Quan Ya Jiao Cuo) English Translation: Interlocking Like Dog’s Teeth pīn yīn: quǎn yá jiāo cuò Idiom Meaning: Describes a situation where boundaries or divisions are intricate and interwoven, or a situation that is complex and entangled. Historical Source: Book of Han (《汉书·景十二王传·中山靖王传》) Idiom Story After Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty,
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Chinese Idiom: 历历在目 (Li Li Zai Mu) English Translation: Clearly Visible pīn yīn: lì lì zài mù Idiom Meaning: Refers to past events being vividly recalled and clearly visible in one’s mind, or to describe something that is clearly seen from a distance. Historical Source: Poem “Li Li” by Du Fu from the Tang Dynasty
Chinese Idiom: 亡羊补牢 (Wang Yang Bu Lao) English Translation: Fix the pen after the sheep is lost pīn yīn: wáng yáng bǔ láo Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that it is not too late to take corrective measures even after a mistake or loss has occurred. It emphasizes the importance of remedying problems promptly, regardless
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Chinese Idiom: 亡戟得矛 (Wang Ji De Mao) English Translation: Lost a spear, gained a lance pīn yīn: wáng jì dé máo Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to express the idea that losing something is compensated by gaining something of equivalent value. It implies that the loss and gain balance each other out, and one
