Chinese Idiom: 社稷之臣 (She Ji Zhi Chen) English Translation: Ministers who stabilize the state and nation pīn yīn: shè jì zhī chén Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to important ministers or officials who are capable of ensuring the stability and prosperity of a nation. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记·项羽本纪》). Idiom Story: In […]
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Chinese Idiom: 先发制人 (Xian Fa Zhi Ren) English Translation: Strike first to gain control over others pīn yīn: xiān fā zhì rén Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally referred to the advantage of taking the initiative in warfare, implying that the first to act often holds a commanding position and can control the opponent. Nowadays, it
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Chinese Idiom: 决一雌雄 (Jue Yi Ci Xiong) English Translation: Determine the Male and Female pīn yīn: jué yī cí xióng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a decisive competition to determine superiority or victory between two parties. It implies a confrontation or challenge to establish who is better or who will win. Historical Source: “Records
Chinese Idiom: 异军突起 (Yi Jun Tu Qi) English Translation: A different army rises abruptly pīn yīn: yì jūn tú qǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the sudden emergence of a notable or distinct force, often referring to a new power or influence that captures attention. Historical Source: 《史记·项羽本纪》 (Records of the Grand Historian · Annals
Chinese Idiom: 师出无名 (Shi Chu Wu Ming) English Translation: Army marches without a proper name pīn yīn: shī chū wú míng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the situation where a military campaign or action is conducted without a legitimate reason or just cause. It can also be used more generally to describe actions taken
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Chinese Idiom: 王侯将相 (Wang Hou Jiang Xiang) English Translation: Princes, marquises, generals, and ministers pīn yīn: wáng hóu jiàng xiàng Idiom Meaning: Refers to high-ranking officials and aristocrats in the feudal society; often used to denote the nobility or those in positions of significant power and privilege. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: The
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Chinese Idiom: 大逆不道 (Da Ni Bu Dao) English Translation: Rebellion and Immorality pīn yīn: dà nì bù dào Idiom Meaning: Originally, it referred to acts of rebellion and severe violations of feudal ethics. Nowadays, it also signifies actions and words that gravely undermine moral standards. “逆” means rebellious, and “道” refers to morality. Historical Source:
Chinese Idiom: 一诺千金 (Yi Nuo Qian Jin) English Translation: Yi Nuo Qian Jin – A Promise Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces pīn yīn: yī nuò qiān jīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person who keeps their promises and values integrity. “Promise” (诺) refers to a commitment or pledge, and “thousand gold pieces” (千金) signifies
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Chinese Idiom: 一字千金 (Yi Zi Qian Jin) English Translation: One Word Worth a Thousand Gold pīn yīn: yī zì qiān jīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a piece of writing, especially poetry or prose, that is highly valuable and exceptionally insightful. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Lü Buwei.” Idiom Story:
