Chinese Idiom: 逼上梁山 (Bi Shang Liang Shan) English Translation: Forced onto Liang Mountain pīn yīn: bī shàng liáng shān Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to being compelled to resist or revolt; it can also mean being forced to do something reluctantly or out of necessity. Historical Source: The idiom originates from the classic Chinese novel […]
Bi Shang Liang Shan – Forced onto Liang Mountain Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 黄绢幼妇 (Huang Juan You Fu) English Translation: Young wife in yellow silk pīn yīn: huáng juàn yòu fù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone with exceptional literary talent. Historical Source: From the Ming Dynasty novel 三国演义 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) by Luo Guanzhong. Idiom Story: During the Eastern Han Dynasty, in the
Chinese Idiom: 纵虎归山 (Zong Hu Gui Shan) English Translation: Letting the tiger return to the mountain pīn yīn: zòng hǔ guī shān Idiom Meaning: Refers to the act of releasing an enemy, which can lead to endless future troubles. It is also expressed as “放虎归山” (fàng hǔ guī shān). Historical Source: Chapter 21 of “Romance
Zong Hu Gui Shan – Letting the tiger return to the mountain Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 初出茅庐 (Chu Chu Mao Lu) English Translation: Just emerged from the thatched cottage pīn yīn: chū chū máo lú Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who has just entered society or started a job, lacking experience and expertise. Historical Source: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (《三国演义》), specifically Chapter 39. Idiom
Chu Chu Mao Lu – Just emerged from the thatched cottage Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 机关算尽 (Ji Guan Suan Jin) English Translation: All schemes calculated. pīn yīn: jī guān suàn jìn Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to mock or criticize individuals who are cunning and two-faced, employing every possible scheme and trickery to achieve their goals. Historical Source: “红楼梦” (Dream of the Red Chamber), specifically from the
Chinese Idiom: 交头接耳 (Jiao Tou Jie Er) English Translation: Heads together and ears touching pīn yīn: jiāo tóu jiē ěr Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the act of whispering or talking quietly and secretly, with heads close together and ears almost touching. It often implies gossiping or discussing something privately. Historical Source: 《水浒传》 (Water Margin),
Jiao Tou Jie Er – Heads together and ears touching Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 同心协力 (Tong Xin Xie Li) English Translation: Unite in thought and work together pīn yīn: tóng xīn xié lì Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to work together with a unified purpose and combined effort. It emphasizes collective effort and cooperation to achieve a common goal. Historical Source: 《三国演义》 (Romance of the Three Kingdoms)
Tong Xin Xie Li – Unite in thought and work together Read More »
Chinese Idiom: 不亢不卑 (Bu Keng Bu Bei) English Translations: Neither Arrogant nor Humble pīn yīn: bù kàng bù bēi Idiom Meaning: Refers to a manner or attitude that is balanced and appropriate, neither too proud nor too submissive. It describes a poised and respectful approach in interactions with others. Historical Source: Dream of the Red
Chinese Idiom: 不伦不类 (Bu Lun Bu Lei) English Translations: Neither Fish nor Fowl pīn yīn: bù lún bù lèi Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something or someone that does not fit into any particular category or is not quite right. It suggests that something is neither this kind nor that kind, often used to denote
Chinese Idiom: 万死不辞 (Wan Si Bu Ci) English Translation: Willing to sacrifice one’s life a thousand times pīn yīn: wàn sǐ bù cí Idiom Meaning: This idiom expresses an extreme dedication and willingness to undertake a task or mission, regardless of the personal cost, including death. Historical Source: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (《三国演义》), Chapter
Wan Si Bu Ci – Willing to sacrifice one’s life a thousand times Read More »
