Chinese Idiom: 脚踏实地 (Jiao Ta Shi Di) English Translation: Feet on solid ground pīn yīn: jiǎo tà shí dì Idiom Meaning: To work diligently and earnestly; to be pragmatic and realistic, avoiding exaggeration or superficiality. Historical Source: From the Song Dynasty scholar Shao Bowen’s “Records of Shao’s Observations” (《邵氏闻见录》), Volume 18; also found in Ma […]
Chinese Idiom: 推心置腹 (Tui Xin Zhi Fu) English Translation: tuī xīn zhì fù pīn yīn: tuī xīn zhì fù Idiom Meaning: To treat others with sincerity and trust; to be open-hearted and genuine. Historical Source: From the “Book of the Later Han” (《后汉书·光武帝纪上》). Idiom Story: In the year 17 AD, a severe famine struck the
Chinese Idiom: 盖世之才 (Gai Shi Zhi Cai) English Translation: Talent that surpasses the world pīn yīn: gài shì zhī cái Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who is the best in their time, unique and unparalleled; often used as an exaggerated praise. Historical Source: This idiom comes from the Northern Song Dynasty, specifically from Su Shi’s
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Chinese Idiom: 虚有其表 (Xu You Qi Biao) English Translation: Has an Attractive Appearance, but Lacks Substance pīn yīn: xū yǒu qí biǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to something that has a good-looking exterior but lacks real value or substance. It describes a situation or person that is impressive in appearance but ineffective or unqualified
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Chinese Idiom: 唯命是听 (Wei Ming Shi Ting) English Translation: Obey commands unconditionally pīn yīn: wéi mìng shì tīng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who follows orders or commands without question, indicating absolute obedience and submission. Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (左传) – “The Commentary of Zuo,” specifically from the 12th year of Duke Xuan.
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Chinese Idiom: 唯利是图 (Wei Li Shi Tu) English Translation: Only profit is sought pīn yīn: wéi lì shì tú Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that one is willing to do anything as long as there is profit to gain. It implies a focus solely on material gain without regard for morality or principles. Historical Source:
Chinese Idiom: 假仁假义 (Jia Ren Jia Yi) English Translation: False benevolence and false righteousness pīn yīn: jiǎ rén jiǎ yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to insincere or feigned compassion and righteousness, suggesting a superficial display of kindness or morality that lacks genuine intent. Historical Source: Mencius (《孟子》) – “On the King of Liang, Part
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Chinese Idiom: 惊弓之鸟 (Jing Gong Zhi Niao) English Translation: A bird startled by the sound of a bowstring pīn yīn: jīng gōng zhī niǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who becomes frightened or panicked after having been scared or harmed in the past, especially when encountering a similar situation again. Historical Source: Strategies
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Chinese Idiom: 萎靡不振 (Wei Mi Bu Zhen) English Translation: Withered and listless pīn yīn: wěi mí bù zhèn Idiom Meaning: Refers to a state of being dispirited and lacking energy or motivation. Historical Source: Song History (宋史) – “Biography of Yang Shi.” Idiom Story: Yang Shi was a prominent scholar during the Northern Song Dynasty,
Chinese Idiom: 趾高气扬 (Zhi Gao Qi Yang) English Translation: Walking with one’s head held high pīn yīn: zhǐ gāo qì yáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is arrogant and conceited, forgetting their true position due to their achievements. 趾高 (zhǐ gāo) means to walk with high steps, full of confidence;
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