Chinese Idiom: 所向无前 (Suo Xiang Wu Qian) English Translation: Unstoppable wherever one goes pīn yīn: suǒ xiàng wú qián Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an army can advance without encountering any obstacles. It signifies a powerful and relentless force that cannot be hindered. Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), specifically […]
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Chinese Idiom: 所向无敌 (Suo Xiang Wu Di) English Translation: Invincible Everywhere pīn yīn: suǒ xiàng wú dí Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes immense power and strength, indicating that there is no one who can stand against it. Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), specifically in the biography of Zhou Yu. Idiom Story: During
Chinese Idiom: 画饼充饥 (Hua Bing Chong Ji) English Translation: Drawing a cake to satisfy hunger pīn yīn: huà bǐng chōng jī Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to relying on empty promises or illusions that cannot provide any real help or nourishment. It also implies using fantasies to comfort oneself without any practical benefit. Historical Source:
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Chinese Idiom: 赤膊上阵 (Chi Bo Shang Zhen) English Translation: Bare-chested in battle pīn yīn: chì bó shàng zhèn Idiom Meaning: Refers to a reckless, all-out approach to action without regard for strategy; sometimes used to describe impulsive actions that lack planning. Historical Source: “Records of the Three Kingdoms” (《三国志 · 吴书 · 诸葛恪传》). Idiom Story:
Chinese Idiom: 声东击西 (Sheng Dong Ji Xi) English Translation: Feinting East, Attacking West pīn yīn: shēng dōng jī xī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a military tactic or strategy where one feigns an attack in one direction to divert attention while launching a real attack in another direction. It can also be used metaphorically to
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Chinese Idiom: 兵贵神速 (Bing Gui Shen Su) English Translation: Speed is of utmost importance in warfare pīn yīn: bīng guì shén sù Idiom Meaning: This idiom emphasizes that the essence of military operations lies in their swiftness and unpredictability, making it difficult for the enemy to respond effectively. Historical Source: From Sunzi’s Art of War,
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Chinese Idiom: 言过其实 (Yan Guo Qi Shi) English Translation: Exaggerating the truth pīn yīn: yán guò qí shí Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to speech that is exaggerated and goes beyond the actual capabilities or circumstances. It can also imply that someone is making statements that are overly dramatic or excessive. Historical Source: Records of
Chinese Idiom: 老生常谈 (Lao Sheng Chang Tan) English Translation: Old scholar’s common talk pīn yīn: lǎo shēng cháng tán Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to words or opinions that are often repeated and lack novelty or originality. It implies a sense of weariness towards hearing the same old ideas or arguments. Historical Source: “Records of
Chinese Idiom: 老骥伏枥 (Lao Ji Fu Li) English Translation: The old steed lies in the stable pīn yīn: lǎo jì fú lì Idiom Meaning: This idiom symbolizes that a person with ambition continues to strive throughout their life, and even in old age, their determination remains strong. Historical Source: Cao Cao’s poem “Bu Chu Xia
Chinese Idiom: 好谋善断 (Hao Mou Shan Duan) English Translation: Skilled in strategizing and making sound judgments pīn yīn: hǎo móu shàn duàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is diligent in thinking and adept at making decisions, often used to praise a person’s strategic ability and judgment. Historical Source: Lu Ji’s work “辨亡论” during
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