Chinese Idiom: 防微杜渐 (Fang Wei Du Jian) English Translation: Prevent minor issues and stop their development pīn yīn: fáng wēi dù jiàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to take preventive measures at the earliest sign of a problem to prevent it from escalating. It emphasizes the importance of addressing small issues before they become major […]
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Chinese Idiom: 防患未然 (Fang Huan Wei Ran) English Translation: Prevent problems before they arise pīn yīn: fáng huàn wèi rán Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to taking precautionary measures to prevent potential problems or disasters before they occur. It emphasizes foresight and proactive measures. Historical Source: 《后汉书·霍光传》 (Book of the Later Han: Biography of Huo
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Chinese Idiom: 同日而语 (Tong Ri Er Yu) English Translation: Mentioned in the same breath pīn yīn: tóng rì ér yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to be mentioned or compared together, implying that the two things are not of the same level or cannot be compared. It is used to denote that something is so
Chinese Idiom: 白头如新 (Bai Tou Ru Xin) English Translation: White-headed like new pīn yīn: bái tóu rú xīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally meant that if friends do not understand each other deeply, even after years of knowing each other, they would still be like strangers. It later came to describe relationships where familiarity does
Chinese Idiom: 四海为家 (Si Hai Wei Jia) English Translation: Make one’s home in the four seas pīn yīn: sì hǎi wéi jiā Idiom Meaning: Originally, this idiom referred to an emperor’s dominion over the entire country, symbolized by the “four seas” surrounding China. In modern usage, it describes someone who can feel at home anywhere
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Chinese Idiom: 四面楚歌 (Si Mian Chu Ge) English Translation: Songs of Chu from all four sides pīn yīn: sì miàn chǔ gē Idiom Meaning: To be in a desperate and surrounded situation, facing enemies on all sides, or to be isolated and without support. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记·项羽本纪》) by Sima Qian.
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Chinese Idiom: 乐此不疲 (Le Ci Bu Pi) English Translation: Delight in this and never tire pīn yīn: lè cǐ bù pí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who remains enthusiastic and tireless about their favorite activity, regardless of the time and energy it consumes. Historical Source: Hou Han Shu (《后汉书》), which records the events of
Chinese Idiom: 半途而废 (Ban Tu Er Fei) English Translation: Abandon halfway pīn yīn: bàn tú ér fèi Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the situation where someone starts a task but fails to complete it, stopping halfway through. It signifies a lack of perseverance and commitment. Historical Source: “Doctrine of the Mean” (《中庸》) in the “Book
Chinese Idiom: 半面之交 (Ban Mian Zhi Jiao) English Translation: Half-face acquaintance pīn yīn: bàn miàn zhī jiāo Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a very limited interaction or acquaintance with someone, typically only having seen them briefly or met once. Historical Source: “Book of the Later Han” (《后汉书》), specifically from the “Biography of Ying Feng” (《应奉传》).
Chinese Idiom: 包羞忍耻 (Bao Xiu Ren Chi) English Translation: Endure humiliation and shame pīn yīn: bāo xiū rěn chǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies enduring humiliation and shame. “包” (bāo) means to contain or bear, “忍” (rěn) means to endure, and “耻” (chǐ) refers to shame. Together, the idiom describes someone who bears and tolerates
