Chinese Idiom: 言犹在耳 (Yan You Zai Er) English Translation: The words still linger in the ear pīn yīn: yán yóu zài ěr Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the vivid memory of someone’s words, as if they are still echoing in one’s ears. It conveys the idea of remembering something that was said clearly and profoundly. […]
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Chinese Idiom: 坚如磐石 (Jian Ru Pan Shi) English Translation: As solid as a rock pīn yīn: jiān rú pán shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is extremely firm and unshakable, often used to express unwavering determination or resolve. Historical Source: The Peacock Flies Southeast (《孔雀东南飞》), a narrative poem from the Han Dynasty. Idiom
Chinese Idiom: 鸡鸣狗盗 (Ji Ming Gou Dao) English Translation: The crowing of roosters and the thievery of dogs pīn yīn: jī míng gǒu dào Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to lowly skills or trivial abilities, often carrying a derogatory connotation. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记·孟尝君列传》). Idiom Story: In 299 BC, King
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Chinese Idiom: 轩然大波 (Xuan Ran Da Bo) English Translation: A vast wave arises pīn yīn: xuān rán dà bō Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a significant dispute, upheaval, or commotion. Historical Source: Poem by Han Yu, Yueyang Lou Bie Dou Sizh (《岳阳楼别窦司直》). Idiom Story: In the first year of the Yongzhen era during the
Chinese Idiom: 阴谋诡计 (Yin Mou Gui Ji) English Translation: Conspiracies and schemes pīn yīn: yīn móu guǐ jì Idiom Meaning: Refers to malicious plots or schemes that are secretly devised to harm others. Historical Source: “History of Song” (《宋史》), specifically the biography of Yu Shen (余深). Idiom Story: Yu Shen was a native of Fuzhou
Chinese Idiom: 似曾相识 (Si Ceng Xiang Shi) English Translation: Seems familiar pīn yīn: sì céng xiāng shí Idiom Meaning: Refers to a situation where something appears again that one has seen or experienced before. Historical Source: “Poets’ Jade Fragments” (《诗人玉屑》) compiled by Wei Qingzhi in the Song Dynasty. Idiom Story: During the reign of Emperor
Chinese Idiom: 后顾之忧 (Hou Gu Zhi You) English Translation: Worries about what is left behind pīn yīn: hòu gù zhī yōu Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to concerns about potential problems or troubles that may arise behind oneself while moving forward or going out. It emphasizes the anxiety of being unable to focus on the current
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Chinese Idiom: 因势利导 (Yin Shi Li Dao) English Translation: Guiding according to circumstances pīn yīn: yīn shì lì dǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the principle of guiding and promoting actions based on the current trends and developments of a situation. “因” (yīn) means to follow, “势” (shì) refers to trends or circumstances, and “利导”
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Chinese Idiom: 老生常谈 (Lao Sheng Chang Tan) English Translation: Old scholar’s common talk pīn yīn: lǎo shēng cháng tán Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to words or opinions that are often repeated and lack novelty or originality. It implies a sense of weariness towards hearing the same old ideas or arguments. Historical Source: “Records of
Chinese Idiom: 光焰万丈 (Guang Yan Wan Zhang) English Translation: Guang Yan Wan Zhang – A brilliant radiance, reaching far and wide pīn yīn: guāng yàn wàn zhàng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the military strategy of remaining calm and rested while the enemy becomes exhausted from their efforts, thus gaining an advantage. Historical Source:
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