Chinese Idiom: 前功尽弃 (Qian Gong Jin Qi) English Translation: All previous achievements are in vain pīn yīn: qián gōng jìn qì Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies that all prior efforts and accomplishments have been wasted or lost. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记》), specifically the section titled “The Annals of Zhou” (《周本纪》). Idiom […]
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Chinese Idiom: 相得益彰 (Xiang De Yi Zhang) English Translation: Mutually beneficial and highlighting each other’s strengths pīn yīn: xiāng dé yì zhāng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where two parties complement each other, enhancing their respective strengths and virtues. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Shiji (《史记》), specifically the chapter “Biography of Bo
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Chinese Idiom: 坐享其成 (Zuo Xiang Qi Cheng) English Translation: Sitting and enjoying the fruits of others’ labor pīn yīn: zuò xiáng qí chéng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to benefiting from the hard work of others without making any effort oneself Historical Source: Records of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms (《东周列国志》). Idiom Story: During a certain
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Chinese Idiom: 各得其所 (Ge De Qi Suo) English Translation: Everyone gets what they deserve pīn yīn: gè dé qí suǒ Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea that everyone is appropriately placed or receives what they need. It can also imply that every matter is properly arranged. Historical Source: 周易 · 系辞下》 (The Book
Chinese Idiom: 众志成城 (Zhong Zhi Cheng Cheng) English Translation: United will builds a strong city pīn yīn: zhòng zhì chéng chéng Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that when everyone works together with a common purpose, they can accomplish anything; it also signifies the immense strength that comes from unity and collective determination. Historical Source:《国语·周语下》 (Guo
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Chinese Idiom: 必恭必敬 (Bi Gong Bi Jing) English Translation: Be respectful and courteous pīn yīn: bì gōng bì jìng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a manner of showing the utmost respect and politeness. Historical Source: 《诗经 · 小雅 · 小弁》 (The Book of Songs: Minor Ode – Xiaobian). Idiom Story: During the late Western Zhou
Chinese Idiom: 归马放牛 (Gui Niu Fang Ma) English Translation: Return horses to the mountains pīn yīn: guī mǎ fàng niú Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to signify that a period of war has ended and peace has been restored. Historical Source: Book of Documents (《尚书·武成》). Idiom Story: After the defeat of King Zhou of
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Chinese Idiom: 太公钓鱼，愿者上钩 (ai Gong Diao Yu, Yuan Zhe Shang Gou) English Translation: Taigong fishing, those who wish to bite will hook themselves pīn yīn: tài gōng diàoyú, yuàn zhě shàng gōu Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that one should allow those who are willing or interested to volunteer or come forward. It implies that
Chinese Idiom: 无可奈何 (Wu Ke Nai He) English Translation: There is nothing one can do pīn yīn: wú kě nài hé Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where one is powerless or has no way to solve a problem or deal with a situation. It expresses a sense of helplessness or resignation in the
Chinese Idiom: 不念旧恶 (Bu Nian Jiu E) English Translation: Not Holding onto Past Grievances pīn yīn: bù niàn jiù è Idiom Meaning: Refers to the act of not holding onto or remembering past wrongs or personal grievances. It emphasizes forgiveness and the willingness to let go of past conflicts. Historical Source: The Analects of Confucius
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