Idioms about Places

Wu Yi Lei Ju – Things of the same kind come together

Chinese Idiom: 物以类聚 (Wu Yi Lei Ju) English Translation: Things of the same kind come together pīn yīn: wù yǐ lèi jù Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally referred to how various items group together by category. Today, it is commonly used to imply that people with similar traits or morals, especially those of ill repute, […]

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Meng Mu San Qian – Meng’s mother moved three times

Chinese Idiom: 孟母三迁 (Meng Mu San Qian) English Translation: Meng’s mother moved three times pīn yīn: mèng mǔ sān qiān Idiom Meaning: This idiom serves as a reminder to emphasize the importance of social environment and social interactions in influencing children’s development and education. Historical Source: Han dynasty scholar Zhao Qi’s inscription on Mengzi (孟子)

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Hu Ju Long Pan – Tiger crouches, dragon coils

Chinese Idiom: 虎踞龙蟠 (Hu Ju Long Pan) English Translation: Tiger crouches, dragon coils pīn yīn: hǔ jù lóng pán Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes a formidable and majestic geographical location, emphasizing its strategic importance and beauty. Historical Source: A poem written by Xin Qiji during the Southern Song Dynasty, titled “Nian Nu Jiao ·

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Lu Shan Zhen Mian Mu – The true face of Mount Lu

Chinese Idiom: 庐山真面目 (Lu Shan Zhen Mian Mu) English Translation: The true face of Mount Lu pīn yīn: lú shān zhēn miàn mù Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe revealing the truth hidden beneath a confusing or obscure surface. Historical Source: Su Shi’s poem “Title on the West Forest Wall” (《题西林壁》), written during

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Zuo She Dao Bian – Building a house by the roadside

Chinese Idiom: 作舍道边 (Zuo She Dao Bian) English Translation: Building a house by the roadside pīn yīn: zuò shè dào biān Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to a situation where many voices are heard, leading to confusion and disagreement, making it difficult to accomplish any task. Historical Source: The Book of the Later Han:

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Qu Jing Tong You – Winding path leads to a secluded place

Chinese Idiom: 曲径通幽 (Qu Jing Tong You) English Translation: Winding path leads to a secluded place pīn yīn: qū jìng tōng yōu Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a winding path that leads to a deep and quiet place, often evoking a sense of tranquility and hidden beauty. Historical Source: 《题破山寺后禅院》 (On the Back Zen Courtyard

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An Ju Le Ye – Live in peace and work happily

Chinese Idiom: 安居乐业 (An Ju Le Ye) English Translation: Live in peace and work happily pīn yīn: ān jū lè yè Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to living and working in a stable and joyful environment. It emphasizes a sense of security and contentment in both life and occupation. Historical Source: 《老子》 (Tao Te Ching),

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Bai Fei Ju Xing – All neglected affairs flourish

Chinese Idiom: 百废俱兴 (Bai Fei Ju Xing) English Translation: All neglected affairs flourish pīn yīn: bǎi fèi jù xīng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where all previously neglected or abandoned tasks and projects are revived and flourishing. It signifies a period of revitalization and progress. Historical Source: 《岳阳楼记》 (The Yueyang Tower Essay) by

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Ping Di Bo Lan – Waves on flat ground

Chinese Idiom: 平地波澜 (Ping Di Bo Lan) English Translation: Waves on flat ground pīn yīn: píng dì bō lán Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the emergence of unexpected disputes or incidents, or to creating trouble where there is none. Historical Source: 唐代刘禹锡《竹枝词》 (Tang Dynasty Liu Yuxi’s “Bamboo Branch Songs”). Idiom Story: In the first

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