Chinese Idiom: 捷足先登 (Jie Zu Xian Deng) English Translation: Swift feet ascend first pīn yīn: jié zú xiān dēng Idiom Meaning: Refers to those who act quickly to reach a destination first or to obtain what they desire before others. Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·淮阴侯列传》). Idiom Story: In 197 BC, Liu […]
Chinese Idiom: 深谋远虑 (Shen Mou Yuan Lv) English Translation: Deep planning and far-reaching consideration pīn yīn: shēn móu yuǎn lǜ Idiom Meaning: To have thorough and far-sighted plans; to think carefully and strategically. Historical Source: From the Han Dynasty essay “On the Fall of the Qin” (《过秦论上》) by Jia Yi. Idiom Story: Jia Yi was
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Chinese Idiom: 推心置腹 (Tui Xin Zhi Fu) English Translation: tuī xīn zhì fù pīn yīn: tuī xīn zhì fù Idiom Meaning: To treat others with sincerity and trust; to be open-hearted and genuine. Historical Source: From the “Book of the Later Han” (《后汉书·光武帝纪上》). Idiom Story: In the year 17 AD, a severe famine struck the
Chinese Idiom: 望梅止渴 (Wang Mei Zhi Ke) English Translation: Looking at plums to quench thirst pīn yīn: wàng méi zhǐ kě Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea of false imagination that cannot become reality; it is often used to describe a wish that cannot be fulfilled, comforting oneself with empty hopes. Historical Source:
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Chinese Idiom: 敝帚自珍 (Bi Zhou Zi Zhen) English Translation: Cherishing One’s Own Broom pīn yīn: bì zhǒu zì zhēn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea of cherishing one’s own possessions, even if they are not valuable or are worn out. “敝” (bì) means worn out or broken, while “珍” (zhēn) means to treasure
Chinese Idiom: 盘根错节 (Pan Gen Cuo Jie) English Translation: Roots and branches intertwined and crossed. pīn yīn: pán gēn cuò jié Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the complex and entangled nature of situations or issues, indicating that they are difficult to manage. It can also suggest that certain influences or powers are deeply rooted
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Chinese Idiom: 党同伐异 (Dang Tong Fa Yi) English Translation: Forming factions and attacking differences pīn yīn: dǎng tóng fá yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the behavior of supporting those with similar opinions while attacking and criticizing those with differing views. It emphasizes factionalism and bias against dissent. Historical Source: From the Book of
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Chinese Idiom: 悔过自新 (Hui Guo Zi Xin) English Translation: Repent and start anew pīn yīn: huǐ guò zì xīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of correcting one’s mistakes and starting afresh. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记 · 扁鹊仓公列传》). Idiom Story: During the Western Han dynasty, there was a man
Chinese Idiom: 难兄难弟 (Nan Xiong Nan Di) English Translation: Difficult brothers pīn yīn: nán xiōng nán dì Idiom Meaning: Originally, this idiom praised individuals who were both virtuous and talented. Over time, it has come to refer to two people who are similarly flawed or who find themselves in the same difficult situation, often carrying
Chinese Idiom: 疾风劲草 (Ji Feng Jin Cao) English Translation: Strong grass withstands fierce winds pīn yīn: jí fēng jìng cǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a person’s resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Just as strong grass remains unbroken during fierce winds, a person’s true strength and character are revealed
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