Chinese Idiom: 虎狼之国 (Hu Lang Zhi Guo) English Translation: A country of tigers and wolves pīn yīn: hǔ láng zhī guó Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to a country that is as ferocious as tigers and wolves, this idiom now often denotes a powerful nation that is untrustworthy and aggressive in its dealings. Historical Source: Shiji […]
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Chinese Idiom: 始终如一 (Shi Zhong Ru Yi) English Translation: Consistent from beginning to end pīn yīn: shǐ zhōng rú yī Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that remains the same throughout a process or situation, indicating unwavering consistency and steadfastness. Historical Source: Xunzi (《荀子 · 议兵》). Idiom Story: In the text “Yibing” (议兵) of the
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Chinese Idiom: 物以类聚 (Wu Yi Lei Ju) English Translation: Things of the same kind come together pīn yīn: wù yǐ lèi jù Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally referred to how various items group together by category. Today, it is commonly used to imply that people with similar traits or morals, especially those of ill repute,
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Chinese Idiom: 孟母三迁 (Meng Mu San Qian) English Translation: Meng’s mother moved three times pīn yīn: mèng mǔ sān qiān Idiom Meaning: This idiom serves as a reminder to emphasize the importance of social environment and social interactions in influencing children’s development and education. Historical Source: Han dynasty scholar Zhao Qi’s inscription on Mengzi (孟子)
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Chinese Idiom: 奉公守法 (Feng Gong Shou Fa) English Translation: Uphold Public Duty and Observe the Law pīn yīn: fèng gōng shǒu fǎ Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes the act of handling public affairs impartially, without violating the law or engaging in favoritism. It emphasizes integrity in governance and adherence to legal principles. Historical Source: Records
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Chinese Idiom: 抱薪救火 (Bao Xin Jiu Huo) English Translation: Adding Fuel to the Fire pīn yīn: bào xīn jiù huǒ Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to using the wrong methods to eliminate a disaster, ultimately making the situation worse. Historical Source: Shiji (《史记》) by Sima Qian Idiom Story: During the Warring States Period, the state
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Chinese Idiom: 杯水车薪 (Bei Shui Che Qin) English Translation: A Cup of Water for a Load of Firewood pīn yīn: bēi shuǐ chē xīn Idiom Meaning: This phrase is used to describe a situation where one’s efforts or resources are insufficient to address a problem, emphasizing that the help provided is minimal compared to what
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Chinese Idiom: 知过必改 (Zhi Guo Bi Gai) English Translation: Must Correct When Aware of Faults pīn yīn: zhī guò bì gǎi Idiom Meaning: This phrase implies that once a person recognizes their mistakes, they must resolve to correct them steadfastly. Historical Source: Thousand-Character Classic (《千字文》) by Zhou Xingsi of the Southern Dynasties Idiom Story: In
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Chinese Idiom: 侧目而视 (Ce Mu Er Shi) English Translation: Look with a sideways glance pīn yīn: cè mù ér shì Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a demeanor of awe or respect; it can also convey a sense of anger. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (《战国策·秦策一》). Idiom Story: During the Warring States period, Su
Chinese Idiom: 纸上谈兵 (Zhi Shang Tan Bing) English Translation: Talk of war on paper pīn yīn: zhǐ shàng tán bīng Idiom Meaning: Refers to someone who only talks about theoretical strategies without practical experience, often boasting without the ability to solve real problems. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (《史记·廉颇蔺相如列传》). Idiom Story: Zhao Kuo
