Chinese Idiom: 程门立雪 (Cheng Men Li Xue) English Translation: Standing in the snow at Cheng’s door pīn yīn: chéng mén lì xuě Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the respect for a teacher and the earnestness in seeking knowledge. Historical Source: The idiom is derived from the Song History (《宋史》) in the biography of Yang Shi. […]
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Chinese Idiom: 跋山涉水 (Ba Shan She Shui) English Translation: Crossing mountains and fording rivers pīn yīn: bá shān shè shuǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the difficulties and hardships of a long journey. Historical Source: The idiom comes from the poem Zai Chi (载驰) in the Book of Songs (诗经). Idiom Story: The author of
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Chinese Idiom: 欲加之罪，何患无辞 (Yu Jia Zhi Zui, He Huan Wu Ci) English Translation: If one wishes to impose a crime, there are no worries about lacking excuses. pīn yīn: yù jiā zhī zuì, hé huàn wú cí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the arbitrary act of falsely accusing someone, implying that if someone intends
Chinese Idiom: 欲速则不达 (Yu Su Ze Bu Da) English Translation: Wanting to be fast will not achieve success pīn yīn: yù sù zé bù dá Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that if one is overly eager to achieve quick results without regard for quality or proper procedures, they will ultimately fail to reach their goal.
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Chinese Idiom: 随月读书 (Sui Yue Du Shu) English Translation: Reading by the light of the moon pīn yīn: suí yuè dú shū Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a person’s diligent and hardworking spirit in studying, regardless of the hardships faced. Historical Source: Legend. Idiom Story: In ancient times, there was a man named Jiang Bi.
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Chinese Idiom: 捷足先登 (Jie Zu Xian Deng) English Translation: Swift feet ascend first pīn yīn: jié zú xiān dēng Idiom Meaning: Refers to those who act quickly to reach a destination first or to obtain what they desire before others. Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·淮阴侯列传》). Idiom Story: In 197 BC, Liu
Chinese Idiom: 虚左以待 (Xu Zuo Yi Dai) English Translation: Leaving the Left Seat Empty to Await Guests pīn yīn: xū zuǒ yǐ dài Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies leaving a position or seat empty to show respect to guests. The term “虚” (xū) means “empty,” and “左” (zuǒ) refers to the left side, which was
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Chinese Idiom: 排难解纷 (Pai Nan Jie Fen) English Translation: Remove difficulties and resolve disputes pīn yīn: pái nán jiě fēn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to helping others by alleviating their difficulties and mediating disputes; it is often used to describe the act of resolving conflicts between opposing sides. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring
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Chinese Idiom: 祸起萧墙 (Huo Qi Xiao Qiang) English Translation: Disaster arises from within pīn yīn: huò qǐ xiāo qiáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that trouble or disaster originates from internal conflicts rather than external threats. It emphasizes the dangers of disunity and betrayal within a group or organization. Historical Source: The Analects (论语) –
Chinese Idiom: 患难相共 (Huan Nan Xiang Gong) English Translation: Share hardships together pīn yīn: huàn nàn xiāng gòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea of sharing difficulties and misfortunes together, highlighting solidarity in times of trouble. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (史记) – “The House of King Goujian of Yue.” Idiom
