Chinese Idiom: 举足轻重 (Ju Zu Qing Zhong) English Translation: One Step Can Tip the Scale pīn yīn: jǔ zú qīng zhòng Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that someone holds an important position, where their every action can significantly influence the overall situation. Historical Source: 后汉书 ·窦融传 (Book of the Later Han, Biography of Dou Rong) […]
Chinese Idiom: 骄兵必败 (Jiao Bing Bi Bai) English Translation: Arrogant Troops Are Sure to Be Defeated pīn yīn: jiāo bīng bì bài Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically suggests that an arrogant and overconfident army is destined to suffer defeat. It also broadly applies to work and study, indicating that those who are proud and self-important
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Chinese Idiom: 枯木朽株 (Ku Mu Xiu Zhu) English Translation: Withered Wood and Decayed Stump pīn yīn: kù mù xiǔ zhū Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to individuals or things that are not valued and are of little use; it is also used to describe the elderly, the weak, or forces that have become ineffective.
Chinese Idiom: 结草衔环 (Jie Cao Xian Huan) English Translation: Tie grass and carry a ring in the beak pīn yīn: jié cǎo xián huán Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the idea of being grateful and repaying kindness, highlighting the importance of gratitude and loyalty. Historical Source: The idiom combines two stories from the “Zuo Zhuan”
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Chinese Idiom: 背水一战 (Bei Shui Yi Zhan) English Translation: Fight with one’s back to the river pīn yīn: bèi shuǐ yī zhàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to fighting a decisive battle with no way to retreat, symbolizing a commitment to win at all costs. Historical Source: “史记 ·淮阴侯列传” (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography
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Chinese Idiom: 草创未就 (Cao Chuang Wei Jiu) English Translation: Still in the early stages of creation pīn yīn: cǎo chuàng wèi jiù Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where something is just beginning and not yet completed. Historical Source: A letter written by Sima Qian in “报任安书” (Letter to Ren An) during the Western
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Chinese Idiom: 秋毫无犯 (Qiu Hao Wu Fan) English Translation: No harm done even to the finest hairs pīn yīn: qiū háo wú fàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to maintain strict discipline and not to take even the slightest advantage from the common people; it emphasizes fairness and respect for others’ property. Historical Source: “史记”
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Chinese Idiom: 首鼠两端 (Shou Shu Liang Duan) English Translation: Hesitating like a rat at both ends pīn yīn: shǒu shǔ liǎng duān Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is indecisive, hesitant, and lacks a firm stance, afraid of offending either side. Historical Source: Shiji · Biography of Guan Fu (《史记 ·灌夫传》)
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Chinese Idiom: 前车可鉴 (Qian Che Ke Jian) English Translation: The overturned vehicle ahead serves as a warning pīn yīn: qián chē kě jiàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that the failures of those before us can serve as lessons for future generations. Historical Source: “Book of Han” (《汉书》), specifically the biography of Jia Yi (贾谊).
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Chinese Idiom: 沾沾自喜 (Zhan Zhan Zi Xi) English Translation: Take pride in oneself pīn yīn: zhān zhān zì xǐ Idiom Meaning: This phrase describes a state of self-satisfaction and smugness regarding one’s achievements, often implying a sense of frivolity and arrogance. Historical Source: From Shiji: Biographies of Weiqi’s Martial Duke. Idiom Story: The idiom originates
