Chinese Idiom: 暗箭伤人 (An Jian Shang Ren) English Translation: Hidden Arrows Wound People pīn yīn: àn jiàn shāng rén Idiom Meaning: Describes the act of harming others secretly, taking advantage of their unpreparedness. Historical Source: From Zuo Zhuan (《左传·隐公十一年》). Idiom Story: In 712 BC, the Duke of Zheng, Zheng Zhuang Gong, received support from the […]
Chinese Idiom: 嗟来之食 (Jie Lai Zhi Shi) English Translation: Food Offered with a Sigh pīn yīn: jiē lái zhī shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to insulting charity or alms, where refusing such offerings is viewed as a demonstration of integrity. Historical Source: From The Book of Rites (礼记), specifically The Lower Records of
Chinese Idiom: 道听途说 (Dao Ting Tu Shuo) English Translation: Hearsay on the Road pīn yīn: dào tīng tú shuō Idiom Meaning: It refers to rumors or information heard along the way that lacks credible evidence; gossip. Historical Source: Lüshi Chunqiu (The Annals of Lü Buwei), specifically in the chapter “Investigation.” Idiom Story: Idiom Story: In
Chinese Idiom: 温良恭俭让 (Wen Liang Gong Jian Rang) English Translation: Gentle, Good, Respectful, Frugal, and Yielding pīn yīn: wēn liáng gōng jiǎn ràng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is gentle, cultured, respectful, frugal, and yielding. It often refers to a lack of confrontational spirit, highlighting virtues of kindness and humility. Historical Source: The
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Chinese Idiom: 欲加之罪，何患无辞 (Yu Jia Zhi Zui, He Huan Wu Ci) English Translation: If one wishes to impose a crime, there are no worries about lacking excuses. pīn yīn: yù jiā zhī zuì, hé huàn wú cí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the arbitrary act of falsely accusing someone, implying that if someone intends
Chinese Idiom: 欲速则不达 (Yu Su Ze Bu Da) English Translation: Wanting to be fast will not achieve success pīn yīn: yù sù zé bù dá Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that if one is overly eager to achieve quick results without regard for quality or proper procedures, they will ultimately fail to reach their goal.
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Chinese Idiom: 得意扬扬 (De Yi Yang Yang) English Translation: In high spirits and proud pīn yīn: dé yì yáng yáng Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who is self-satisfied and behaves arrogantly, believing themselves to be impressive or important. Historical Source: From “The Spring and Autumn of Master Yan” (《晏子春秋·内篇杂上》). Idiom Story: Yan Zi was the
Chinese Idiom: 唯命是听 (Wei Ming Shi Ting) English Translation: Obey commands unconditionally pīn yīn: wéi mìng shì tīng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who follows orders or commands without question, indicating absolute obedience and submission. Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (左传) – “The Commentary of Zuo,” specifically from the 12th year of Duke Xuan.
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Chinese Idiom: 唯利是图 (Wei Li Shi Tu) English Translation: Only profit is sought pīn yīn: wéi lì shì tú Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that one is willing to do anything as long as there is profit to gain. It implies a focus solely on material gain without regard for morality or principles. Historical Source:
Chinese Idiom: 祸起萧墙 (Huo Qi Xiao Qiang) English Translation: Disaster arises from within pīn yīn: huò qǐ xiāo qiáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that trouble or disaster originates from internal conflicts rather than external threats. It emphasizes the dangers of disunity and betrayal within a group or organization. Historical Source: The Analects (论语) –
