Chinese Idiom: 鼎足之势 (Ding Zu Zhi Shi) English Translation: The Triangular Stance pīn yīn: dǐng zú zhī shì Idiom Meaning: It describes a situation where three parties stand firm and balance each other, preventing any from taking action against the others. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically the biography of Han Xin. […]
Chinese Idiom: 痛饮黄龙 (Tong Yin Huang Long) English Translation: Heartily Drinking from the Yellow Dragon pīn yīn: tòng yǐn huáng lóng Idiom Meaning: It describes the heroic spirit of triumph over enemies. It is also expressed as “直捣黄龙” (Zhí dǎo huáng lóng), which means directly attacking the enemy’s stronghold. The “Yellow Dragon” refers to the
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Chinese Idiom: 割席绝交 (Ge Xi Jue Jiao) English Translation: Cutting the Mat and Breaking Off Friendship pīn yīn: gē xí jué jiāo Idiom Meaning: It metaphorically refers to the termination of a friendship due to differing ambitions or incompatible feelings. Historical Source: Shishuo Xinyu (A New Account of Tales of the World), specifically the chapter
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Chinese Idiom: 翘足而待 (Qiao Zu Er Dai) English Translation: Waiting with One’s Foot Raised pīn yīn: qiáo zú ér dài Idiom Meaning: Originally, it refers to the brief time it takes to wait for something, suggesting that the wait is very short. It is often used to describe situations where disaster or downfall is imminent
Chinese Idiom: 朝三暮四 (Zhao San Mu Si) English Translation: Three in the Morning, Four in the Evening pīn yīn: zhāo sān mù sì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to deceptive manipulation and is often used to describe fickleness or inconsistency in behavior or promises. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Liezi (Liezi: Huangdi). Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 强弩之末 (Qiang Nu Zhi Mo) English Translation: The Last Stage of a Strong Crossbow pīn yīn: qiáng nǔ zhī mò Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes a situation where once-powerful strength has diminished and can no longer exert influence or effect. “强” (strong) refers to great power; “弩” (crossbow) is an ancient weapon
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Chinese Idiom: 逼上梁山 (Bi Shang Liang Shan) English Translation: Forced onto Liang Mountain pīn yīn: bī shàng liáng shān Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to being compelled to resist or revolt; it can also mean being forced to do something reluctantly or out of necessity. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the classic Chinese novel
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Chinese Idiom: 惩前毖后 (Cheng Qian Bi Hou) English Translation: Punish the past to prevent future mistakes pīn yīn: chéng qián bì hòu Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to take past mistakes as lessons to be cautious in the future, preventing similar errors from occurring again. Historical Source: The idiom originates from The Book of Songs
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Chinese Idiom: 落井下石 (Luo Jing Xia Shi) English Translation: Drop stones while someone is in the well pīn yīn: luò jǐng xià shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to taking advantage of someone’s difficulties to harm or exploit them. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Memorial for Liu Zongyuan (《柳子厚墓志铭》) by Han Yu (韩愈) during
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Chinese Idiom: 铸成大错 (Zhu Cheng Da Cuo) English Translation: Forged into a major mistake pīn yīn: zhù chéng dà cuò Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to causing a significant error or mistake. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Zizhi Tongjian (《资治通鉴》), specifically from the Tang Dynasty annals. Idiom Story: During the late Tang Dynasty, a
