Chinese Idiom: 蜂拥而起 (Feng Yong Er Qi) English Translation: Swarm Up pīn yīn: fēng yōng ér qǐ Idiom Meaning: To describe a large number of people rising up or rushing together. Historical Source: From Shiji (史记) – The Records of the Grand Historian, specifically the chapter on Xiang Yu (项羽). Idiom Story: In his account […]
Chinese Idiom: 解衣推食 (Jie Yi Tui Shi) English Translation: Doffing Clothes and Pushing Food pīn yīn: jiě yī tuī shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of selflessly sharing one’s clothing and food with others, symbolizing deep care and affection for them. Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·淮阴侯列传》). Idiom Story:
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Chinese Idiom: 悲歌慷慨 (Bei Ge Kang Kai) English Translation: Sorrowful Songs, Generous Spirit pīn yīn: bēi gē kāng kǎi Idiom Meaning: It refers to expressing deep emotions through sad songs, typically depicting the plight of heroes in despair or the unfortunate circumstances of valiant warriors. Historical Source: From Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) by
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Chinese Idiom: 揭竿而起 (Jie Gan Er Qi) English Translation: Raise the Pole and Rise pīn yīn: jiē gān ér qǐ Idiom Meaning: It metaphorically means to raise the banner of justice and rise in rebellion, often referring to popular uprisings against oppression. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically in the “Biography of
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: 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: 破釜沉舟 (Po Fu Chen Zhou) English Translation: Breaking the cauldrons and sinking the boats pīn yīn: pò fǔ chén zhōu Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies a resolute decision to sacrifice everything in order to achieve victory. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记 · 项羽本纪》). Idiom Story: In 208 BC, the Qin
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Chinese Idiom: 举措失当 (Ju Cuo Shi Dang) English Translation: Inappropriate Measures pīn yīn: jǔ cuò shī dāng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to actions or measures that are not appropriate or suitable for a given situation. “举措” means actions or measures, while “失当” signifies being improper or unsuitable. Historical Source: 史记 · 秦始皇本纪 (Records of
Chinese Idiom: 养虎遗患 (Yang Hu Yi Huan) English Translation: Raising a Tiger Creates Future Trouble pīn yīn: yǎng hǔ yí huàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the danger of being lenient or accommodating toward bad people or bad deeds, which may lead to greater harm in the future. It emphasizes the consequences of failing
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Chinese Idiom: 钩心斗角 (Gou Xin Dou Jiao) English Translation: Hooking Hearts and Battling Angles pīn yīn: gōu xīn dòu jiǎo Idiom Meaning: Originally describing the intricate and elaborate structures of palaces, it is now used to metaphorically represent scheming, intrigue, and covert conflicts among people. Historical Source: 唐代杜牧《樊川文集·阿房宫赋》 (Du Mu’s “A Fang Palace Ode”) Idiom
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