Idioms about People

Lan Yu Chong Shu – Fake Musicians Filling the Ranks

Chinese Idiom: 滥竽充数 (Lan Yu Chong Shu) English Translation: Fake Musicians Filling the Ranks pīn yīn: làn yú chōng shù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to individuals who lack genuine skills or abilities but manage to get by by merely pretending to contribute. It can also express humility by downplaying one’s talents. Historical Source: From […]

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Lei Li Feng Xing – Thunderous and Swift Action

Chinese Idiom: 雷厉风行 (Lei Li Feng Xing) English Translation: Thunderous and Swift Action pīn yīn: léi lì fēng xíng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the strictness and rapidity with which policies and laws are implemented or characterizes a decisive and proactive approach to matters. Historical Source: From Han Yu’s “Letter to the Emperor” (《潮州刺史谢上表》) during

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Man Yuan Chun Se – The Garden is Full of Spring Colors

Chinese Idiom: 满园春色 (Man Yuan Chun Se) English Translation: The Garden is Full of Spring Colors pīn yīn: mǎn yuán chūn sè Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to a scene of thriving vitality and flourishing beauty, particularly in spring. Historical Source: From the poem A Visit to the Garden (《游园不值》) by Ye Shaoweng during

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Qi Shi Dao Ming – Deceive the World and Steal Reputation

Chinese Idiom: 欺世盗名 (Qi Shi Dao Ming) English Translation: Deceive the World and Steal Reputation pīn yīn: qī shì dào míng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to deceiving the public through improper means to seize fame or reputation. Historical Source: From Xunzi: Buge (《荀子·不苟》) by Xunzi (荀子). Idiom Story: Xunzi, a famous thinker during the

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Bei Ge Kang Kai – Sorrowful Songs, Generous Spirit

Chinese Idiom: 悲歌慷慨 (Bei Ge Kang Kai) English Translation: Sorrowful Songs, Generous Spirit pīn yīn: bēi gē kāng kǎi Idiom Meaning: It refers to expressing deep emotions through sad songs, typically depicting the plight of heroes in despair or the unfortunate circumstances of valiant warriors. Historical Source: From Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) by

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Wen Liang Gong Jian Rang – Gentle, Good, Respectful, Frugal, and Yielding

Chinese Idiom: 温良恭俭让 (Wen Liang Gong Jian Rang) English Translation: Gentle, Good, Respectful, Frugal, and Yielding pīn yīn: wēn liáng gōng jiǎn ràng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is gentle, cultured, respectful, frugal, and yielding. It often refers to a lack of confrontational spirit, highlighting virtues of kindness and humility. Historical Source: The

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Shan Shi Shan Zhong – Well begun, well done

Chinese Idiom: 善始善终 (Shan Shi Shan Zhong) English Translation: Well begun, well done pīn yīn: shàn shǐ shàn zhōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where things are good from the beginning to the end, emphasizing consistency in quality throughout a process. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Zhuangzi (《庄子》), specifically from the

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Chan Xian Yu Di – Drooling with desire

Chinese Idiom: 馋涎欲滴 (Chan Xian Yu Di) English Translation: Drooling with desire pīn yīn: chán xián yù dī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes an intense craving for food or strong desire for something. Historical Source: The idiom originates from a poem by Su Shi (苏轼) titled Jiang Zhi Huzhou Xi Zeng Xin Lao (《将之湖州戏赠莘老》) during

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