Chinese Idiom: 空前绝后 (Kong Qian Jue Hou) English Translation: Unprecedented and unrepeatable pīn yīn: kōng qián jué hòu Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes an event or artistic achievement that is unmatched throughout history, indicating that it has no equal in the past or future. Historical Source: From Xuanhe Huapu (宣和画谱). Idiom Story: During the Eastern […]
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Chinese Idiom: 空中楼阁 (Kong Zhong Lou Ge) English Translation: A castle in the air pīn yīn: kōng zhōng lóu gé Idiom Meaning: This phrase refers to theories, plans, or ideas that are detached from reality and impractical, often seen as fanciful or unrealistic. Historical Source: From the Buddhist text Bai Yu Jing: Three-Story Tower Parable.
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Chinese Idiom: 贪小失大 (Tan Xiao Shi Da) English Translation: Covet small gains and suffer great losses pīn yīn: tān xiǎo shī dà Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the foolishness of pursuing minor benefits at the expense of much greater losses. Historical Source: From Liu Zhou’s Xin Lun: Greed and Love. Idiom Story: In ancient
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Chinese Idiom: 盲人摸象 (Mang Ren Mo Xiang) English Translation: Blind people touching an elephant pīn yīn: máng rén mō xiàng Idiom Meaning: To have an incomplete understanding of a situation or object, leading to stubbornness and misguided conclusions. Historical Source: From the Indian Buddhist scripture Nirvana Sutra (《涅槃经》). Idiom Story: The idiom “盲人摸象” originates from
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Chinese Idiom: 盲人瞎马 (Mang Ren Xia Ma) English Translation: A blind person riding a blind horse pīn yīn: máng rén xiā mǎ Idiom Meaning: To act recklessly and blindly, resulting in a very dangerous situation. Historical Source: From Shishuo Xinyu (《世说新语》) by Liu Yiqing of the Southern Dynasty. Idiom Story: The idiom “盲人瞎马” originates from
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Chinese Idiom: 金石为开 (Jin Shi Wei Kai) English Translation: Gold and stone can be opened pīn yīn: jīn shí wéi kāi Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that with a determined will and wholehearted effort, one can overcome any difficulties. It emphasizes the idea that even the hardest materials, such as gold and stone, can be
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Chinese Idiom: 金玉其外 (Jin Yu Qi Wai) English Translation: Gold and jade on the outside pīn yīn: jīn yù qí wài Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes something that appears attractive or impressive on the outside but is worthless or flawed on the inside. It suggests a discrepancy between outward appearances and internal quality. Historical Source:
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Chinese Idiom: 刻舟求剑 (Ke Zhou Qiu Jian) English Translation: Carve a mark on the boat to seek a sword pīn yīn: kè zhōu qiú jiàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes someone whose subjective understanding fails to keep pace with or adapt to the constantly changing objective situation. It signifies rigidity and stubbornness in thought,
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Chinese Idiom: 狐假虎威 (Hu Jia Hu Wei) English Translation: The fox borrows the authority of the tiger pīn yīn: hú jiǎ hǔ wēi Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who relies on another’s power or influence to intimidate others or assert dominance. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (《战国策·楚策一》). Idiom Story: During the
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Chinese Idiom: 河东狮吼 (He Dong Shi Hou) English Translation: The roar of the lion from the East River pīn yīn: hé dōng shī hǒu Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a strong-willed, jealous wife who often expresses her anger towards her husband. Historical Source: Rongzhai Sanbi by Hong Mai. Idiom Story: The story behind this idiom
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