Chinese Idiom: 妄自菲薄 (Wang Zi Fei Bo) English Translation: Foolishly belittling oneself pīn yīn: wàng zì fěi bó Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes an excessive sense of self-deprecation and an inferiority complex, indicating a tendency to undervalue oneself. Historical Source: 《前出师表》 (Memorial on the Expedition) by Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of Shu during the […]
Chinese Idiom: 危急存亡 (Wei Ji Cun Wang) English Translation: Critical moment of life and death pīn yīn: wēi jí cún wáng Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a crucial moment that concerns survival or extinction. Historical Source: 《前出师表》 (Memorial on the Expedition to the North) by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period. Idiom Story: After
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Chinese Idiom: 如鱼得水 (Ru Yu De Shui) English Translation: Like a fish in water pīn yīn: rú yú dé shuǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who has found an ideal environment or a perfect match, suggesting that they are thriving or flourishing as much as a fish does in water. It can also imply
Chinese Idiom: 对症下药 (Dui Zheng Xia Yao) English Translation: Administer the right medicine for the illness pīn yīn: duì zhèng xià yào Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to address a problem or situation with a suitable and appropriate solution. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring responses to specific conditions or issues, rather than applying a
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Chinese Idiom: 出其不意 (Chu Qi Bu Yi) English Translation: Strike when the opponent least expects pīn yīn: chū qí bù yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to executing an action or attack in a manner that is unexpected to the opponent, catching them off guard. Originally used in military contexts, it now broadly signifies doing
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Chinese Idiom: 乐不思蜀 (Le Bu Si Shu) English Translation: Delighted, but forgets Shu pīn yīn: lè bù sī shǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is so absorbed in their current enjoyment or pleasure that they forget about their past or original responsibilities. Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), specifically the biography
Chinese Idiom: 不知所云 (Bu Zhi Suo Yun) English Translations: Not Knowing What One is Saying pīn yīn: bù zhī suǒ yún Idiom Meaning: Originally used to express modesty, indicating that one does not know what to say. Today, it is often used to describe someone whose speech is incoherent or whose statements are confusing and
Chinese Idiom: 不求闻达 (Bu Qiu Wen Da) English Translations: Not Seeking Fame and Success pīn yīn: bù qiú wén dá Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to not pursue fame or high status, often reflecting a modest or unambitious attitude towards achieving recognition or power. Historical Source: The First Memorial on the Expedition to the West
Chinese Idiom: 不知所措 (Bu Zhi Suo Cuo) English Translations: Bu Zhi Suo Cuo – Not Knowing What to Do pīn yīn: bù zhī suǒ cuò Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of confusion or panic where one does not know how to handle a situation. Historical Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms: Book of
Chinese Idiom: 无价之宝 (Wu Jia Zhi Bao) English Translation: Something Priceless pīn yīn: wú jià zhī bǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is so valuable that it cannot be measured by any monetary price. It is used to express the extraordinary worth or irreplaceable nature of an item or quality. Historical Source: Yin
