Chinese Idiom: 流言蜚语 (Liu Yan Fei Yu) English Translation: Rumors and Slander pīn yīn: liú yán fēi yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to malicious gossip or false rumors spread behind someone’s back, often intended to create trouble or defame someone’s character. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》), […]
Chinese Idiom: 宽猛相济 (Kuan Meng Xiang Ji) English Translation: Combining Gentleness and Severity pīn yīn: kuān měng xiāng jì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea that governance should balance leniency and strictness, using both approaches to effectively manage and serve the people. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Zuo Zhuan (《左传》), a historical
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Chinese Idiom: 载舟覆舟 (Zai Zhou Fu Zhou) English Translation: The Water that Carries the Boat Can Also Capsize It pīn yīn: zài zhōu fù zhōu Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that the people are like water; they can support a boat (representing authority) or capsize it, highlighting the importance of winning the hearts of the
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Chinese Idiom: 桃花潭水 (Tao Hua Tan Shui) English Translation: Peach Blossom Pool Water pīn yīn: táo huā tán shuǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically expresses deep friendship and affection. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the poem “赠汪伦” (A Gift to Wang Lun) by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai. Idiom Story: During his travels,
Chinese Idiom: 耿耿于怀 (Geng Geng Yu Huai) English Translation: Lingering in One’s Heart pīn yīn: gěng gěng yú huái Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of being preoccupied with a matter, unable to forget or let it go. “耿耿” signifies an unsettled heart, while “于怀” means in the heart or mind. Historical Source: The
Chinese Idiom: 急如星火 (Ji Ru Xing Huo) English Translation: As Urgent as Shooting Stars pīn yīn: jí rú xīng huǒ Idiom Meaning: This idiom compares an urgent situation to the fleeting nature of a shooting star, symbolizing a pressing need for swift action. Historical Source: 《陈情表》 by Li Mi, Western Jin Dynasty Idiom Story: In
Chinese Idiom: 语不惊人 (Yu Bu Jing Ren) English Translation: Words That Do Not Startle pīn yīn: yǔ bù jīng rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes language or phrases that are plain and do not stand out in any remarkable way. “语” refers to language or sentences. Historical Source: Poem by Du Fu, 江上值水如海势聊短述 Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 闻所未闻 (Wen Suo Wei Wen) English Translation: Hearing What Has Never Been Heard pīn yīn: wén suǒ wèi wén Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to hearing novel and previously unknown things. It signifies encountering new ideas or information that one has not come across before. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian:
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Chinese Idiom: 南山可移 (Nan Shan Ke Yi) English Translation: The Southern Mountain Can Be Moved pīn yīn: nán shān kě yí Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies a determination that is as unwavering as the Southern Mountain, emphasizing a decision that cannot be changed or shaken. It reflects a strong commitment to justice and integrity. Historical
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Chinese Idiom: 骄兵必败 (Jiao Bing Bi Bai) English Translation: Arrogant Troops Are Sure to Be Defeated pīn yīn: jiāo bīng bì bài Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically suggests that an arrogant and overconfident army is destined to suffer defeat. It also broadly applies to work and study, indicating that those who are proud and self-important
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