Chinese Idiom: 宽猛相济 (Kuan Meng Xiang Ji) English Translation: Combining Gentleness and Severity pīn yīn: kuān měng xiāng jì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea that governance should balance leniency and strictness, using both approaches to effectively manage and serve the people. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Zuo Zhuan (《左传》), a historical […]
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Chinese Idiom: 徒劳无功 (Tu Lao Wu Gong) English Translation: Futile Efforts pīn yīn: tú láo wú gōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes situations where one expends effort without achieving any results or benefits. The word “徒” signifies “in vain” or “merely,” while “无功” means “without any achievement.” Historical Source: The phrase originates from Zhuangzi
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
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
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,
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
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
