Chinese Idioms from Spring and Autumn Period

Duo Xing Bu Yi Bi Zi Bi – Those who commit many wrongdoings will surely bring about their own demise

Chinese Idiom: 多行不义必自毙 (Duo Xing Bu Yi Bi Zi Bi) English Translation: Those who commit many wrongdoings will surely bring about their own demise pīn yīn: duō xíng bù yì bì zì bì Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that if someone engages in numerous immoral or unjust acts, they will ultimately suffer the consequences and […]

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Zhong Pan Qin Li – Abandoned by the masses and estranged from kin

Chinese Idiom: 众叛亲离 (Zhong Pan Qin Li) English Translation: Abandoned by the masses and estranged from kin pīn yīn: zhòng pàn qīn lí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone faces opposition from the masses and is abandoned by close allies, leading to a state of extreme isolation. Historical Source: 《左传·隐公四年》 (Zuo Zhuan,

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Hua Er Bu Shi – Flowery but not substantial

Chinese Idiom: 华而不实 (Hua Er Bu Shi) English Translation: Flowery but not substantial pīn yīn: huá ér bù shí Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to blooming flowers that do not bear fruit, this idiom is now often used to describe something that looks good on the outside but lacks real substance or practicality. It can also

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An Ju Le Ye – Live in peace and work happily

Chinese Idiom: 安居乐业 (An Ju Le Ye) English Translation: Live in peace and work happily pīn yīn: ān jū lè yè Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to living and working in a stable and joyful environment. It emphasizes a sense of security and contentment in both life and occupation. Historical Source: 《老子》 (Tao Te Ching),

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Jin Shan Jin Mei – Perfect and flawless

Chinese Idiom: 尽善尽美 (Jin Shan Jin Mei) English Translation: Perfect and flawless pīn yīn: jìn shàn jìn měi Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is perfect and without any flaws. Historical Source: 《论语·八佾》 (The Analects of Confucius · Chapter on the Eightfold). Idiom Story: Confucius lived during the Spring and Autumn period, a time

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Bai Fa Bai Zhong – A hundred shots, a hundred hits

Chinese Idiom: 百发百中 (Bai Fa Bai Zhong) English Translation: A hundred shots, a hundred hits pīn yīn: bǎi fā bǎi zhòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who is exceptionally skilled in shooting or marksmanship, able to hit their target every time. Historical Source: 史记·周本纪》 (Records of the Grand Historian · Annals of Zhou).

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Bai Zhan Bai Sheng – A hundred battles, a hundred victories

Chinese Idiom: 百战百胜 (Bai Zhan Bai Sheng) English Translation: A hundred battles, a hundred victories pīn yīn: bǎi zhàn bǎi shèng Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally means to win a hundred battles and achieve victory each time. It is often used to describe someone who is invincible or consistently victorious. Historical Source: 《孙子兵法 · 谋攻篇》

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Li Bing Mo Ma – Sharpen weapons and feed horses

Chinese Idiom: 厉兵秣马 (Li Bing Mo Ma) English Translation: Sharpen weapons and feed horses pīn yīn: lì bīng mò mǎ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the act of making thorough preparations, especially for a battle or major endeavor. It can also be used more broadly to signify careful and diligent preparation for any task. Historical

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Yong Chui Bu Xiu – Eternally enduring and imperishable

Chinese Idiom: 永垂不朽 (Yong Chui Bu Xiu) English Translation: Eternally enduring and imperishable pīn yīn: yǒng chuí bù xiǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that the achievements and noble spirit of an individual or an event will be remembered forever, never fading or deteriorating over time. It emphasizes the lasting impact of exemplary deeds, virtues,

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Wai Qiang Zhong Gan – Strong on the outside, but weak on the inside

Chinese Idiom: 外强中干 (Wai Qiang Zhong Gan) English Translation: Strong on the outside, but weak on the inside pīn yīn: wài qiáng zhōng gān Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where something or someone appears strong and formidable externally but is weak and ineffective internally. It is often used to characterize a facade of

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