Chinese Idiom: 暗度陈仓 (An Du Chen Cang) English Translation: Secretly Passing Through Chen Cang pīn yīn: àn dù chén cāng Idiom Meaning: Originally refers to a military strategy of deceiving the enemy at the front while launching a surprise attack from the side; it also metaphorically describes activities conducted secretly. Historical Source: From the Book […]
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Chinese Idiom: 想当然耳 (Xiang Dang Ran Er) English Translation: It Goes Without Saying pīn yīn: xiǎng dāng rán ěr Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to making judgments based solely on personal imagination or assumptions, without any objective facts. Historical Source: From The Book of the Later Han (《后汉书 · 孔融传》). Idiom Story: During the reign
Chinese Idiom: 量才录用 (Liang Cai Lu Yong) English Translation: Assessing Talent for Employment pīn yīn: liàng cái lù yòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to assign appropriate jobs based on the assessment of a person’s talents and abilities. Historical Source: From The Book of Han (汉书), specifically the biography of Dong Zhongshu. Idiom Story: Dong
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Chinese Idiom: 鼎足之势 (Ding Zu Zhi Shi) English Translation: The Triangular Stance pīn yīn: dǐng zú zhī shì Idiom Meaning: It describes a situation where three parties stand firm and balance each other, preventing any from taking action against the others. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically the biography of Han Xin.
Chinese Idiom: 割席绝交 (Ge Xi Jue Jiao) English Translation: Cutting the Mat and Breaking Off Friendship pīn yīn: gē xí jué jiāo Idiom Meaning: It metaphorically refers to the termination of a friendship due to differing ambitions or incompatible feelings. Historical Source: Shishuo Xinyu (A New Account of Tales of the World), specifically the chapter
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Chinese Idiom: 翘足而待 (Qiao Zu Er Dai) English Translation: Waiting with One’s Foot Raised pīn yīn: qiáo zú ér dài Idiom Meaning: Originally, it refers to the brief time it takes to wait for something, suggesting that the wait is very short. It is often used to describe situations where disaster or downfall is imminent
Chinese Idiom: 强弩之末 (Qiang Nu Zhi Mo) English Translation: The Last Stage of a Strong Crossbow pīn yīn: qiáng nǔ zhī mò Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes a situation where once-powerful strength has diminished and can no longer exert influence or effect. “强” (strong) refers to great power; “弩” (crossbow) is an ancient weapon
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Chinese Idiom: 善始善终 (Shan Shi Shan Zhong) English Translation: Well begun, well done pīn yīn: shàn shǐ shàn zhōng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where things are good from the beginning to the end, emphasizing consistency in quality throughout a process. Historical Source: The idiom originates from Zhuangzi (《庄子》), specifically from the
Chinese Idiom: 博而不精 (Bo Er Bu Jing) English Translation: Broad but not profound pīn yīn: bó ér bù jīng Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes someone who possesses extensive knowledge but lacks depth in understanding. Historical Source: This idiom comes from The Book of the Later Han (后汉书), specifically in the biography of Ma Rong. Idiom
Chinese Idiom: 梁上君子 (Liang Shang Jun Zi) English Translation: Gentleman on the Beam pīn yīn: liáng shàng jūn zǐ Idiom Meaning: This term is a euphemism for a thief. It is also used to describe a person who is out of touch with reality. Historical Source: This idiom is derived from the historical text Book
