Chinese Idiom: 坚忍不拔 (Jian Ren Bu Ba) English Translation: Steadfast and unyielding pīn yīn: jiān rěn bù bá Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person with a firm will and determination, who is not swayed by any difficulties or setbacks. “坚” (jiān) means firm or steadfast, while “拔” (bá) refers to moving or changing. Historical […]
Chinese Idiom: 坐观成败 (Wu Feng Shi Yu) English Translation: Sitting and watching the outcome of success or failure pīn yīn: zuò guān chéng bài Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to passively observing the successes or failures of others, implying a sense of indifference or a lack of involvement in a situation. Historical Source: Records of
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Chinese Idiom: 死有余辜 (Si You Yu Gu) English Translation: Deserving of death pīn yīn: sǐ yǒu yú gū Idiom Meaning: Describes someone who has committed heinous crimes to such an extent that even death cannot compensate for their wrongdoings. Historical Source: “Book of Han” (《汉书·路温舒传》). Idiom Story: During the Western Han Dynasty, there was a
Chinese Idiom: 死灰复燃 (Si Hui Fu Ran) English Translation: Dead ashes reignite pīn yīn: sǐ huī fù rán Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who has fallen from power or influence but makes a comeback, regaining their former position. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记 · 韩长孺列传》). Idiom Story: During the Western Han Dynasty,
Chinese Idiom: 有志竟成 (You Zhi Jing Cheng) English Translation: Where there is a will, there is a way pīn yīn: yǒu zhì jìng chéng Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that as long as one has the right ambition and pursues it with determination and perseverance, they will eventually achieve their goals. Historical Source: “The Book
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Chinese Idiom: 先斩后奏 (Xian Zhan Hou Zou) English Translation: Execute first, report later. pīn yīn: xiān zhǎn hòu zòu Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to situations where a person takes action without prior approval or consultation, creating a fait accompli, and then reports the actions to superiors afterward. “斩” (zhan) means to execute (in the
Chinese Idiom: 后来居上 (Hou Lai Ju Shang) English Translation: Later arrivals surpass those who came earlier pīn yīn: hòu lái jū shàng Idiom Meaning: Originally, this idiom referred to less experienced individuals surpassing those with more experience. It is now used to describe situations where later developments or people progress rapidly and either catch up to
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Chinese Idiom: 约法三章 (Yue Fa San Zhang) English Translation: Agreeing on three laws pīn yīn: yuē fǎ sān zhāng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to setting forth a few rules or regulations that everyone must follow. “约” (yuē) means to agree or to stipulate; “法” (fǎ) means law; “三章” (sān zhāng) translates to three articles or
Chinese Idiom: 负重致远 (Fu Zhong Zhi Yuan) English Translation: Carrying a heavy load to reach far pīn yīn: fù zhòng zhì yuǎn Idiom Meaning: The original meaning refers to the ability to carry heavy burdens over long distances. It metaphorically signifies the capability to take on significant responsibilities and achieve great things. Historical Source: “Records of
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Chinese Idiom: 任劳任怨 (Ren Lao Ren Yuan) English Translation: Willing to endure hardship and accept blame pīn yīn: rèn láo rèn yuàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person who is willing to work hard without complaint and does not fear being blamed or criticized. Historical Source: “Book of Han” (《汉书·石显传》) Idiom Story: In December of
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