Chinese Idiom: 嫁祸于人 (Jia Huo Yu Ren) English Translation: Transfer Misfortune to Others pīn yīn: jià huò yú rén Idiom Meaning: To shift blame or misfortune onto someone else. Historical Source: From the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), specifically the “House of Zhao” (赵世家). Idiom Story: In the fourth year of King Xiaocheng of […]
Chinese Idiom: 欺世盗名 (Qi Shi Dao Ming) English Translation: Deceive the World and Steal Reputation pīn yīn: qī shì dào míng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to deceiving the public through improper means to seize fame or reputation. Historical Source: From Xunzi: Buge (《荀子·不苟》) by Xunzi (荀子). Idiom Story: Xunzi, a famous thinker during the
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Chinese Idiom: 短小精悍 (Duan Xiao Jing Han) English Translation: Short and Vigorous pīn yīn: duǎn xiǎo jīng hàn Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person who is short in stature but sharp-witted and capable; it is often used to refer to writing, speeches, or expressions that are brief yet powerful. Historical Source: From Records of
Chinese Idiom: 脱颖而出 (Tuo Ying Er Chu) English Translation: Emerge from the tip of a sharp point pīn yīn: tuō yǐng ér chū Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to someone’s talents or abilities being fully displayed or revealed. Historical Source: From “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记》), specifically the biography of Pingyuan Jun and
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Chinese Idiom: 得心应手 (De Xin Ying Shou) English Translation: Heart and hands in accord pīn yīn: dé xīn yìng shǒu Idiom Meaning: Refers to skillful mastery of a craft or the ease with which one accomplishes tasks. Historical Source: From “Zhuangzi” (《庄子·天道》). Idiom Story: One day, Duke Huan of Qi was reading in his hall.
Chinese Idiom: 虚左以待 (Xu Zuo Yi Dai) English Translation: Leaving the Left Seat Empty to Await Guests pīn yīn: xū zuǒ yǐ dài Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies leaving a position or seat empty to show respect to guests. The term “虚” (xū) means “empty,” and “左” (zuǒ) refers to the left side, which was
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Chinese Idiom: 假仁假义 (Jia Ren Jia Yi) English Translation: False benevolence and false righteousness pīn yīn: jiǎ rén jiǎ yì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to insincere or feigned compassion and righteousness, suggesting a superficial display of kindness or morality that lacks genuine intent. Historical Source: Mencius (《孟子》) – “On the King of Liang, Part
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Chinese Idiom: 排难解纷 (Pai Nan Jie Fen) English Translation: Remove difficulties and resolve disputes pīn yīn: pái nán jiě fēn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to helping others by alleviating their difficulties and mediating disputes; it is often used to describe the act of resolving conflicts between opposing sides. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring
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Chinese Idiom: 惊弓之鸟 (Jing Gong Zhi Niao) English Translation: A bird startled by the sound of a bowstring pīn yīn: jīng gōng zhī niǎo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who becomes frightened or panicked after having been scared or harmed in the past, especially when encountering a similar situation again. Historical Source: Strategies
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Chinese Idiom: 望洋兴叹 (Wang Yang Xing Tan) English Translation: Looking at the ocean and sighing pīn yīn: wàng yáng xīng tàn Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to one’s own insignificance and marveling at others’ greatness; it is now used to describe feeling powerless or inadequate when wanting to accomplish something due to insufficient strength or lack
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