Chinese Idiom: 温情脉脉 (Wen Qing Mo Mo) English Translation: Warm feelings flowing silently pīn yīn: wēn qíng mò mò Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of deep emotional connection towards something, characterized by a desire to express those feelings through one’s demeanor or actions. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the poem “Mo Yu […]
Chinese Idiom: 啼笑皆非 (Ti Xiao Jie Fei) English Translation: Crying and laughing both are inappropriate pīn yīn: tí xiào jiē fēi Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a situation that is so awkward or absurd that one cannot decide whether to laugh or cry. Historical Source: This idiom originates from the poem “Emotions” (情感) by the
Ti Xiao Jie Fei – Crying and laughing both are inappropriate Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 博而不精 (Bo Er Bu Jing) English Translation: Broad but not profound pīn yīn: bó ér bù jīng Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes someone who possesses extensive knowledge but lacks depth in understanding. Historical Source: This idiom comes from The Book of the Later Han (后汉书), specifically in the biography of Ma Rong. Idiom
Chinese Idiom: 敢怒而不敢言 (Gan Nu Er Bu Gan Yan) English Translation: Dare to be angry but not dare to speak pīn yīn: gǎn nù ér bù gǎn yán Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a situation where one feels angry but refrains from expressing it due to fear of authority or repercussions. Historical Source: This idiom
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Chinese Idiom: 梁上君子 (Liang Shang Jun Zi) English Translation: Gentleman on the Beam pīn yīn: liáng shàng jūn zǐ Idiom Meaning: This term is a euphemism for a thief. It is also used to describe a person who is out of touch with reality. Historical Source: This idiom is derived from the historical text Book
Chinese Idiom: 脱颖而出 (Tuo Ying Er Chu) English Translation: Emerge from the tip of a sharp point pīn yīn: tuō yǐng ér chū Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to someone’s talents or abilities being fully displayed or revealed. Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记》), specifically the biography of Pingyuan Jun and
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Chinese Idiom: 得意忘形 (De Yi Wang Xing) English Translation: Delight causes forgetfulness of form pīn yīn: dé yì wàng xíng Idiom Meaning: Refers to losing one’s composure due to overwhelming joy or excitement. Historical Source: From “Book of Jin” (《晋书 · 阮籍传》). Idiom Story: During the Three Kingdoms period, there was a literary figure and
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Chinese Idiom: 得过且过 (De Guo Qie Guo) English Translation: Get by as it goes pīn yīn: dé guò qiě guò Idiom Meaning: Refers to a careless and irresponsible attitude towards work, implying one is just getting by without effort or concern. Historical Source: From “The Record of Southern Village Farmers” (《南村辍耕录·寒号虫》). Idiom Story: There is
Chinese Idiom: 得意扬扬 (De Yi Yang Yang) English Translation: In high spirits and proud pīn yīn: dé yì yáng yáng Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who is self-satisfied and behaves arrogantly, believing themselves to be impressive or important. Historical Source: From “The Spring and Autumn of Master Yan” (《晏子春秋·内篇杂上》). Idiom Story: Yan Zi was the
Chinese Idiom: 深谋远虑 (Shen Mou Yuan Lv) English Translation: Deep planning and far-reaching consideration pīn yīn: shēn móu yuǎn lǜ Idiom Meaning: To have thorough and far-sighted plans; to think carefully and strategically. Historical Source: From the Han Dynasty essay “On the Fall of the Qin” (《过秦论上》) by Jia Yi. Idiom Story: Jia Yi was
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