Chinese Idiom: 不自量力 (Bu Zi Liang Li) English Translation: Not Knowing One’s Own Strength pīn yīn: bù zì liàng lì Idiom Meaning: To overestimate one’s own abilities or underestimate the difficulty of a task; to act beyond one’s capabilities. Historical Source: Zuo’s Commentary (《左传·隐公十一年》) Idiom Story: During the Spring and Autumn period, there were two […]
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Chinese Idiom: 天罗地网 (Tian Luo Di Wang) English Translation: Heaven’s Net and Earth’s Web pīn yīn: tiān luó dì wǎng Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a situation where the net of heaven and earth is cast, meaning the surroundings are so tightly secured that there is no way to escape. “罗” refers
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Chinese Idiom: 天经地义 (Tian Jing Di Yi) English Translation: Heaven’s Law and Earth’s Principle pīn yīn: tiān jīng dì yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to principles that are correct, unchangeable, and thus indisputable. “经” (jīng) refers to rules or principles, while “义” (yì) refers to righteousness or moral standards. Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan (左传)
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Chinese Idiom: 以小人之心，度君子之腹 (Yi Xiao Ren Zhi Xin, Duo Jun Zi Zhi Fu) English Translation: Judge a Noble Person’s Intentions Using the Perspective of a Petty Person pīn yīn: yǐ xiǎo rén zhī xīn, duó jūn zǐ zhī fù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the act of using one’s own lowly or unscrupulous mindset to
Chinese Idiom: 升堂入室 (Sheng Tang Ru Shi) English Translation: Ascend the Hall and Enter the Chamber pīn yīn: shēng táng rù shì Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to commend someone who has achieved a high level of expertise or proficiency in a particular field. It signifies that the person has progressed beyond the basics
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Chinese Idiom: 文质彬彬 (Wen Zhi Bin Bin) English Translation: Elegant and Poised pīn yīn: wén zhì bīn bīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is both cultured and refined, displaying grace and elegance in both demeanor and behavior. It emphasizes the harmonious balance between intellectual achievements and personal qualities. Historical Source: The Analects of Confucius
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Chinese Idiom: 以强凌弱 (Yi Qiang Ling Ruo) English Translation: Bully the Weak by Relying on Strength pīn yīn: yǐ qiáng líng ruò Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of using one’s power or strength to oppress or mistreat those who are weaker or less powerful. Historical Source: Zhuangzi (《庄子·盗跖》) Idiom Story Dao Zhi (盗跖)
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Chinese Idiom: 以逸待劳 (Yi Yi Dai Lao) English Translation: Wait in a state of ease while the enemy grows weary pīn yīn: yǐ yì dài láo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the military strategy of remaining calm and rested while the enemy becomes exhausted from their efforts, thus gaining an advantage. Historical Source: The
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Chinese Idiom: 从善如流 (Cong Shan Ru Liu) English Translation: Readily follow good advice pīn yīn: cóng shàn rú liú Idiom Meaning: It describes someone who is quick to accept and act upon wise and correct advice. Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan: Duke Cheng of Qi, Year 8 (《左传·成公八年》). Idiom Story In 583 BC, the King of
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Chinese Idiom: 分崩离析 (Fen Beng Li Xi) English Translation: To fall apart pīn yīn: fēn bēng lí xī Idiom Meaning: It refers to a situation where a country or organization is in a state of severe disintegration and chaos, unable to be managed or unified. Historical Source: The Analects of Confucius: Ji Shi (《论语·季氏》). Idiom
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