Chinese Idiom: 驾轻就熟 (Jia Qing Jiu Shu) English Translation: Drive a light cart on a familiar road pīn yīn: jià qīng jiù shú Idiom Meaning: Originally meaning to drive a light carriage on a well-known path, it now refers to performing a task with ease due to familiarity and experience. Historical Source: From The Preface […]
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Chinese Idiom: 明目张胆 (Ming Mu Zhang Dan) English Translation: Openly and boldly pīn yīn: míng mù zhāng dǎn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes an attitude of acting without any scruples or shame, doing bad deeds openly and audaciously. Historical Source: New Book of Tang (《新唐书》) – Biography of Wei Siqian (韦思谦传). Idiom Story: The idiom
Chinese Idiom: 视若无睹 (Shi Ruo Wu Du) English Translation: Regard something as if it were not seen pīn yīn: shì ruò wú dǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone is aware of something but behaves as if they are not, showing indifference or lack of concern. Historical Source: Ying Ke Mu Shi
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Chinese Idiom: 呕心沥血 (Ou Xin Li Xue) English Translation: Vomiting one’s heart and draining one’s blood pīn yīn: ōu xīn lì xuè Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to put in tremendous effort and care, often used to describe the painstaking process of writing or creating. Historical Source: The idiom comes from Li Shangyin’s Li Changji
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Chinese Idiom: 走马看花 (Zou Ma Kan Hua) English Translation: Look at flowers while riding a horse pīn yīn: zǒu mǎ kàn huā Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to observing things briefly or superficially, or conducting a cursory survey of a situation. Historical Source: Meng Dongye Shi Ji (《孟东野诗集·登科后》) by Meng Jiao. Idiom Story: Meng Jiao,
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Chinese Idiom: 自知之明 (Zi Zhi Zhi Ming) English Translation: Self-awareness pīn yīn: zì zhī zhī míng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the ability to accurately understand and evaluate oneself, including one’s strengths and weaknesses. Historical Source: “Xin Tang Shu” (《新唐书》) and “Zhenguan Zhengyao” (《贞观政要》) Idiom Story: During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li
Chinese Idiom: 机不可失 (Ji Bu Ke Shi) English Translation: Do not miss a critical opportunity pīn yīn: jī bù kě shī Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea that rare opportunities are fleeting and must be seized when they arise. Historical Source: “旧唐书 · 李靖传” (Old Book of Tang: Biography of Li Jing). Idiom
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Chinese Idiom: 扬眉吐气 (Yang Mei Tu Qi) English Translation: Raise eyebrows and exhale joyfully pīn yīn: yáng méi tǔ qì Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the feeling of joy and satisfaction that comes after a long period of oppression or frustration, particularly when one finally has the opportunity to express oneself. Historical Source: A letter
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Chinese Idiom: 伤风败俗 (Shang Feng Bai Su) English Translation: Injure morals and corrupt customs pīn yīn: shāng fēng bài sú Idiom Meaning: This idiom is often used to condemn improper behavior that damages social morals and customs. Historical Source: 《论佛骨表》 (Essay on the Relics of Buddha) by Han Yu during the Tang Dynasty. Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 当局者迷 (Dang Ju Zhe Mi) English Translation: The person in charge is confused pīn yīn: dāng jú zhě mí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea that individuals directly involved in a situation often become confused due to their vested interests, while bystanders can see the situation more clearly because they are
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