Chinese Idiom: 小题大做 (Xiao Ti Da Zuo) English Translation: Making a mountain out of a molehill pīn yīn: xiǎo tí dà zuò Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to make a big fuss over a minor issue, treating something trivial as if it were of great importance. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (史记·平原君列传) Idiom […]
Xiao Ti Da Zuo – Making a mountain out of a molehill Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 万里长征 (Wan Li Chang Zheng) English Translation: A journey of thousands of miles pīn yīn: wàn lǐ cháng zhēng Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a journey or undertaking that is extremely long and challenging, often symbolizing perseverance and enduring effort. Historical Source: Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling’s poem Out of
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Chinese Idiom: 千里送鹅毛 (Qian Li Song E Mao) English Translation: A Thousand Miles for a Goose Feather pīn yīn: qiān lǐ sòng é máo Idiom Meaning: Indicates that although the gift may be small or humble, the sentiment behind it is profound and heartfelt. Historical Source: Lu Shi (《路史》) by Xu Wei, Ming Dynasty. Idiom
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Chinese Idiom: 万无一失 (Wan Wu Yi Shi) English Translation: Absolutely Foolproof pīn yīn: wàn wú yī shī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation or plan that is extremely reliable and guaranteed to succeed without any possibility of mistake. Historical Source: even Treatises (《七发》) by Mei Cheng (枚乘) from the Western Han Dynasty; also mentioned
Chinese Idiom: 万马齐喑 (Wan Ma Qi Yin) English Translation: Ten thousand horses in silence pīn yīn: wàn mǎ qí yīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a situation where everyone remains silent, offers no suggestions, or does not voice their opinions. It conveys a sense of collective muteness or stagnation. Historical Source: Jihai
Chinese Idiom: 下车泣罪 (Xia Che Qi Zui) English Translation: To dismount and weep over the crime pīn yīn: xià chē qì zuì Idiom Meaning: Refers to a leader’s empathy and compassion, feeling sorrow for the criminal’s fate and reflecting on the broader responsibility for their actions. It highlights a leader’s sense of responsibility and their
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Chinese Idiom: 寸草春晖 (Cun Cao Chun Hui) English Translation: A blade of grass cannot repay the spring sunshine pīn yīn: cùn cǎo chūn huī Idiom Meaning: Metaphorically expresses the deep gratitude for the care and education provided by parents. It reflects the profound and often unrepayable debt of gratitude one feels towards their parents. Historical
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Chinese Idiom: 千万买邻 (Qian Wan Mai Lin) English Translation: Paying a Fortune for a Good Neighbor pīn yīn: qiān wàn mǎi lín Idiom Meaning: Highlights the importance of having good neighbors and the value of living near people of high character. It suggests that securing a good neighbor is often worth more than the property
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Chinese Idiom: 千金买赋 (Qian Jin Mai Fu) English Translation: Paying a Fortune for a Poem pīn yīn: qiān jīn mǎi fù Idiom Meaning: Refers to the idea that even a large amount of money cannot buy the fulfillment of one’s ambitions or desires. It highlights the difficulty of achieving one’s goals despite significant effort or
Chinese Idiom: 引而不发 (Yin Er Bu Fa) English Translation: Draw the Bow without Shooting pīn yīn: yǐn ér bù fā Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies readiness to take action while waiting for the right opportunity. It also implies guiding or preparing others to act independently when they are ready. Historical Source: Mencius – The Book
