Idioms about Objects

Yin Ren Er Jie – Resolve issues as smoothly as a knife cutting through bamboo

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 迎刃而解 (Yin Ren Er Jie) English Translation: Resolve issues as smoothly as a knife cutting through bamboo pīn yīn: yíng rèn ér jiě Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where problems are solved easily and efficiently. Historical Source: “Book of Jin” (《晋书》), specifically in the biography of Du Yu (杜预). Idiom Story: […]

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Fu Yao Zhi Shang – Soaring straight up like a whirlwind

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 扶摇直上 (Fu Yao Zhi Shang) English Translation: Soaring straight up like a whirlwind pīn yīn: fú yáo zhí shàng Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes something that rises rapidly or develops quickly, often used to signify great success or progress in a short time. Historical Source: A poem by the Tang Dynasty poet

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Mei Kuang Yu Xia – The situation worsens progressively

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 每况愈下 (Mei Kuang Yu Xia) English Translation: The situation worsens progressively pīn yīn: měi kuàng yù xià Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation that is continually deteriorating, often carrying a negative connotation. Historical Source: huangzi: Knowledge of the Northern Journey (《庄子·知北游》). Idiom Story: Zhuangzi, whose real name was Zhou, was a prominent

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Wan Bi Gui Zhao – Returning the perfect jade to Zhao

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 完璧归赵 (Wan Bi Gui Zhao) English Translation: Returning the perfect jade to Zhao pīn yīn: wán bì guī zhào Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to the successful completion of a mission or the perfect return of an object to its rightful owner, undamaged. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of

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Cang Hai Yi Su – A grain in the vast ocean

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 沧海一粟 (Cang Hai Yi Su) English Translation: A grain in the vast ocean pīn yīn: cāng hǎi yī sù Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to express something that is extremely small or insignificant in comparison to a larger context. Historical Source: Su Shi’s Preface to the Red Cliffs (《前赤壁赋》). Idiom Story: In

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Yuan Jiao Jin Gong – Form alliances with distant states and attack nearby ones

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 远交近攻 (Yuan Jiao Jin Gong) English Translation: Form alliances with distant states and attack nearby ones pīn yīn: yuǎn jiāo jìn gōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the strategy of forming alliances with distant nations while attacking those that are close, emphasizing a tactical approach in politics or warfare. Historical Source: Strategies

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Bie Kai Sheng Mian – Open a new face

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 别开生面 (Bie Kai Sheng Mian) English Translation: Open a new face pīn yīn: bié kāi shēng miàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe creating a new style or perspective, signifying innovation or originality. Historical Source: The idiom originates from a poem titled Danqing Yin Zeng Cao Jiangjun Ba (丹青引赠曹将军霸) by the

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Yu Yin Rao Liang – The lingering sound wraps around the beams

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 余音绕梁 (Yu Yin Rao Liang) English Translation: The lingering sound wraps around the beams pīn yīn: yú yīn rào liáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes beautiful singing that is captivating and memorable, leaving a lasting impression. Historical Source: Originating from Liezi, specifically the chapter Tang Wen (汤问), which contains various anecdotes and philosophical

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Bing Bu Yan Zha – All’s fair in war

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 兵不厌诈 (Bing Bu Yan Zha) English Translation: All’s fair in war pīn yīn: bīng bù yàn zhà Idiom Meaning: This idiom emphasizes the importance of using strategies and deception in warfare. It conveys the idea that in military operations, employing clever tactics to mislead the enemy is essential. Historical Source: Sun Tzu’s Art

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Yan Bu You Zhong – Words not from the heart

Idioms about Objects /

Chinese Idiom: 言不由衷 (Yan Bu You Zhong) English Translation: Words not from the heart pīn yīn: yán bù yóu zhōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to insincere speech or behavior that lacks genuine emotion. It describes situations where a person does not speak their true feelings, often leading to hypocritical or perfunctory actions. Historical Source:

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