Chinese Idiom: 市道之交 (Shi Dao Zhi Jiao) English Translation: Market-style relationships pīn yīn: shì dào zhī jiāo Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to relationships that are overly driven by self-interest, much like the transactional nature of market dealings. It describes interactions where people associate with others primarily for personal gain. Historical Source: Records of the […]
Chinese Idiom: 水深火热 (Shui Shen Huo Re) English Translation: Deep water and scorching fire pīn yīn: shuǐ shēn huǒ rè Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation of extreme suffering and harsh conditions. It is used to convey the idea of being in a very painful or difficult predicament. Historical Source: This idiom comes from
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Chinese Idiom: 不远千里 (Bu Yuan Qian Li) English Translation: Not hesitating to travel a thousand miles pīn yīn: bù yuǎn qiān lǐ Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to endure the hardship of a long journey or to make an effort to travel a great distance. It often implies a sense of dedication and perseverance in
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Chinese Idiom: 不觉技痒 (Bu Jue Ji Yang) English Translation: Unconsciously itching to display one’s skill pīn yīn: bù jué jì yǎng Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who is highly skilled in a particular craft or art and feels an irresistible urge to showcase their talents when given the opportunity. The term “技痒” (jì
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Chinese Idiom: 不翼而飞 (Bu Yi Er Fei) English Translation: Fly away without wings pīn yīn: bù yì ér fēi Idiom Meaning: Originally, this idiom meant that news or information would spread quickly without any need for promotion. Nowadays, it is used to describe either the rapid spread of news or the sudden disappearance of an
Chinese Idiom: 不遗余力 (Bu Yi Yu Li) English Translations: Spare No Effort pīn yīn: bù yí yú lì Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to exert one’s utmost effort, leaving no strength or resources unused in the process. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (《战国策 · 赵策三》) Idiom Story: In 260 BC, during the Warring
Chinese Idiom: 无功受禄 (Wu Gong Shou Lu) English Translation: Receive Rewards without Having Made any Contribution pīn yīn: wú gōng shòu lù Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the situation where someone receives rewards or privileges without having put in any effort or achieved any results. It implies an unfair or undeserved advantage. Historical Source:
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Chinese Idiom: 以管窥天 (Yi Guan Kui Tian) English Translation: View the Sky through a Tube pīn yīn: yǐ guǎn kuī tiān Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who has a limited and narrow view of things, akin to only seeing a small portion of the bigger picture. Historical Source: Records of the Grand
Chinese Idiom: 以邻为壑 (Yi Lin Wei He) English Translation: Use Neighboring Regions as a Ditch pīn yīn: yǐ lín wéi hè Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the act of transferring one’s own problems or troubles onto others, causing them to suffer instead. Historical Source: Mencius (《孟子·告子下》) Idiom Story During the Warring States period, there was
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Chinese Idiom: 心悦诚服 (Xin Yue Cheng Fu) English Translation: Wholeheartedly and sincerely submit pīn yīn: xīn yuè chéng fú Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of genuine and sincere submission or acceptance. It implies that someone submits willingly and with a genuine sense of agreement, rather than under duress or merely for convenience. Historical
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