Chinese Idiom: 为人作嫁 (Wei Ren Zuo Jia) English Translation: Working Hard for Others’ Benefit pīn yīn: wéi rén zuò jià Idiom Meaning: Refers to working hard or making sacrifices for the benefit of others without gaining any personal reward. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of the Marquis of Huaiyin (史记·淮阴侯列传) Idiom Story […]
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Chinese Idiom: 犬牙交错 (Quan Ya Jiao Cuo) English Translation: Interlocking Like Dog’s Teeth pīn yīn: quǎn yá jiāo cuò Idiom Meaning: Describes a situation where boundaries or divisions are intricate and interwoven, or a situation that is complex and entangled. Historical Source: Book of Han (《汉书·景十二王传·中山靖王传》) Idiom Story After Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty,
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Chinese Idiom: 马革裹尸 (Ma Ge Guo Shi) English Translation: Wrapped in horsehide pīn yīn: mǎ gé guǒ shī Idiom Meaning: Describes a heroic determination to fight bravely and face death with courage, symbolizing a willingness to sacrifice oneself for the country. Historical Source: Hou Han Shu · Ma Yuan Zhuan (《后汉书·马援传》), a historical text by
Chinese Idiom: 千里无鸡鸣 (Qian Li Wu Ji Ming) English Translation: No Rooster Crows for a Thousand Miles pīn yīn: qiān lǐ wú jī míng Idiom Meaning: Refers to the severe desolation caused by unjust wars or serious natural disasters, where human suffering and devastation are extensive. It highlights the extreme impact on the land and
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Chinese Idiom: 万无一失 (Wan Wu Yi Shi) English Translation: Absolutely Foolproof pīn yīn: wàn wú yī shī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation or plan that is extremely reliable and guaranteed to succeed without any possibility of mistake. Historical Source: even Treatises (《七发》) by Mei Cheng (枚乘) from the Western Han Dynasty; also mentioned
Chinese Idiom: 才气过人 (Cai Qi Guo Ren) English Translation: Exceptional Qualities pīn yīn: cái qì guò rén Idiom Meaning: Describes someone whose talent and charisma far surpass those of ordinary people. Historical Source: Shiji · Xiang Yu Benji (《史记·项羽本纪》). Idiom Story: Xiang Yu (项羽) was a prominent figure during the early Han Dynasty, renowned for
Chinese Idiom: 千金买赋 (Qian Jin Mai Fu) English Translation: Paying a Fortune for a Poem pīn yīn: qiān jīn mǎi fù Idiom Meaning: Refers to the idea that even a large amount of money cannot buy the fulfillment of one’s ambitions or desires. It highlights the difficulty of achieving one’s goals despite significant effort or
Chinese Idiom: 大腹便便 (Da Fu Pian Pian) English Translation: A Potbellied Figure pīn yīn: dà fù pián pián Idiom Meaning: Originally meant to describe someone who is idle and overindulged, now it is often used to depict the disgusting appearance of exploitative or corrupt individuals. “腹便便” describes a large, protruding belly, symbolizing indulgence and laziness.
Chinese Idiom: 大喜过望 (Da Xi Guo Wang) English Translation: Far Exceeding Expectations pīn yīn: dà xǐ guò wàng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where the outcome is significantly better than originally anticipated, resulting in great happiness and joy. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian Idiom Story: During the late Qin Dynasty, the
Chinese Idiom: 长驱直入 (Chang Qu Zhi Ru) English Translation: Drive Straight Ahead pīn yīn: cháng qū zhí rù Idiom Meaning: This idiom depicts an unstoppable advance or swift progress, often used to convey a successful and smooth campaign or action. Historical Source: Han Dynasty – Cao Cao’s Command to Xu Huang (汉末曹操《劳徐晃令》). Idiom Story In
