Chinese Idiom: 渑池之功 (Mian Chi Zhi Gong) English Translation: Achievement at Mianchi pīn yīn: miǎn chí zhī gōng Idiom Meaning: Refers to significant national achievements or contributions. Historical Source: From 《史记·廉颇蔺相如列传》 (Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru). Idiom Story: In the late Warring States period, the State of Zhao […]
Chinese Idiom: 绰绰有余 (Chuo Chuo You Yu) English Translation: Abundantly sufficient pīn yīn: chuò chuò yǒu yú Idiom Meaning: Describes a situation that is very ample or sufficient, often used to indicate someone’s abilities, time, or resources are more than enough, leading to a relaxed and unhurried demeanor. Historical Source: From 孟子 (Mencius), specifically the
Chinese Idiom: 倒悬之危 (Dao Xuan Zhi Wei) English Translation: The danger of being upside down pīn yīn: dào xuán zhī wēi Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes an urgent and critical situation that needs immediate resolution. Historical Source: Mencius: Gongsun Chou I (《孟子·公孙丑上》) Idiom Story: The idiom “倒悬之危” comes from a conversation between the philosopher
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Chinese Idiom: 胶柱鼓瑟 (Jiao Zhu Gu Se) English Translation: Glue the tuning pegs of the zither pīn yīn: jiāo zhù gǔ sè Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to being rigid and stubborn in one’s actions, adhering strictly to rules without knowing how to adapt or be flexible. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian:
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Chinese Idiom: 旁敲侧击 (Pang Qiao Ce Ji) English Translation: Tapping from the side pīn yīn: páng qiāo cè jī Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of speaking or writing in a roundabout way, not expressing one’s opinion directly. Instead, it employs irony or euphemism to convey a message indirectly. Historical Source: Records of
Chinese Idiom: 流连忘返 (Liu Lian Wang Fan) English Translation: Reluctant to Leave pīn yīn: liú lián wàng fǎn Idiom Meaning: Originally refers to being so immersed in enjoyment that one forgets to return; now often used to express a deep attachment to something, making it difficult to part ways. Historical Source: This idiom comes from
Chinese Idiom: 挥汗成雨 (Hui Han Ru Yu) English Translation: Sweating Like Rain pīn yīn: huī hàn chéng yǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation with a large number of people, using the imagery of sweat pouring down like rain. It can also signify profuse sweating. The term “挥” means to sprinkle or pour. Historical
Chinese Idiom: 恻隐之心 (Ce Yin Zhi Xin) English Translation: Heart of Compassion pīn yīn: cè yǐn zhī xīn Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the feeling of sympathy that arises from witnessing the misfortunes of others. “恻隐” indicates a compassionate response to someone else’s suffering. Historical Source: 孟子 · 公孙丑上 (Mencius, Book 1, Chapter 1)
Chinese Idiom: 罚不当罪 (Fa Bu Dang Zui) English Translation: Punishment Does Not Fit the Crime pīn yīn: fá bù dāng zuì Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where the punishment is either too harsh or too lenient, not corresponding to the severity of the crime. It can also be expressed as “罪不当罚.” Historical
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Chinese Idiom: 闻所未闻 (Wen Suo Wei Wen) English Translation: Hearing What Has Never Been Heard pīn yīn: wén suǒ wèi wén Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to hearing novel and previously unknown things. It signifies encountering new ideas or information that one has not come across before. Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian:
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