Chinese Idiom: 举棋不定 (Ju Qi Bu Ding) English Translation: Unable to Decide on a Move in Chess pīn yīn: jǔ qí bù dìng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who is hesitant and indecisive in their actions or decisions. It describes a lack of determination or resolution when dealing with matters. Historical Source: 左传 […]
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Chinese Idiom: 城下之盟 (Cheng Xia Zhi Meng) English Translation: Alliance at the City Gates pīn yīn: chéng xià zhī méng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where an enemy army besieges a city, forcing the defenders to humiliate themselves by seeking peace. The term “盟” (alliance) historically denotes an oath or agreement made
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Chinese Idiom: 按兵不动 (An Bing Bu Dong) English Translation: Holding the Troops Still pīn yīn: àn bīng bù dòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of holding back troops, often used to describe a situation where one adopts a wait-and-see attitude or refrains from taking action due to certain reasons. Historical Source: 吕氏春秋
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Chinese Idiom: 举一反三 (Ju Yi Fan San) English Translation: Raise One and Reflect on Three pīn yīn: jǔ yī fǎn sān Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the ability to draw parallels from one situation or example to understand related aspects or other matters. Historical Source: 论语 · 述而 (The Analects of Confucius) Idiom Story: Confucius,
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Chinese Idiom: 闻一知十 (Wen Yi Zhi Shi) English Translation: Hear One and Know Ten pīn yīn: wén yī zhī shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that upon learning one thing, a person can infer ten other things from it, indicating a high level of intelligence and understanding. Historical Source: The Analects: Gongye Chang (论语：公冶长) Idiom
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Chinese Idiom: 南风不竞 (Nan Feng Bu Jing) English Translation: The Southern Wind Does Not Compete pīn yīn: nán fēng bù jìng Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to a situation where one side in a competition lacks the strength to keep up and consequently suffers defeat. It highlights the idea of unequal competition and inevitable
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Chinese Idiom: 骄奢淫逸 (Jiao She Yin Yi) English Translation: Arrogance, Extravagance, and Debauchery pīn yīn: jiāo shē yín yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to indulgence, luxury, debauchery, and a hedonistic lifestyle. It describes a life of excessive extravagance and moral decay. The components of the idiom are: “骄” (arrogant), “奢” (extravagant), “淫” (debauched), and
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Chinese Idiom: 退避三舍 (Tui Bi San She) English Translation: Withdraw Three Stages pīn yīn: tuì bì sān shè Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the practice of keeping one’s promises; it is sometimes used to indicate a deliberate avoidance of confrontation with someone. “退” (tuì) means to retreat; “舍” (shè) refers to a distance of about
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Chinese Idiom: 退思补过 (Tui Si Bu Guo) English Translation: Retreat and Reflect to Amend Mistakes pīn yīn: tuì sī bǔ guò Idiom Meaning: Originally referred to the practice of examining one’s words and actions after a court session to correct mistakes; it is now often used to signify the need to reflect on one’s conduct
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Chinese Idiom: 结草衔环 (Jie Cao Xian Huan) English Translation: Tie grass and carry a ring in the beak pīn yīn: jié cǎo xián huán Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the idea of being grateful and repaying kindness, highlighting the importance of gratitude and loyalty. Historical Source: The idiom combines two stories from the “Zuo Zhuan”
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