Chinese Idioms from Warring State Period

Wei Fu Bu Ren – Wealth Without Compassion

Chinese Idiom: 为富不仁 (Wei Fu Bu Ren) English Translation: Wealth Without Compassion pīn yīn: wéi fù bù rén Idiom Meaning: Describes individuals who, in their pursuit of wealth, are ruthless and lacking in compassion. They exploit others to become rich, showing no kindness or concern for their well-being. Historical Source: Mencius (《孟子·滕文公上》) Idiom Story After […]

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Wang Yang Bu Lao – Fix the pen after the sheep is lost

Chinese Idiom: 亡羊补牢 (Wang Yang Bu Lao) English Translation: Fix the pen after the sheep is lost pīn yīn: wáng yáng bǔ láo Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that it is not too late to take corrective measures even after a mistake or loss has occurred. It emphasizes the importance of remedying problems promptly, regardless

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Meng Ting Ruo Shi – A Thriving Scene at the Door

Chinese Idiom: 门庭若市 (Meng Ting Ruo Shi) English Translation: A Thriving Scene at the Door pīn yīn: mén tíng ruò shì Idiom Meaning: Describes a scene where there is a constant flow of people coming and going, akin to a busy marketplace. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States – Qi’s Strategy One Idiom Story:

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Yin Er Bu Fa – Draw the Bow without Shooting

Chinese Idiom: 引而不发 (Yin Er Bu Fa) English Translation: Draw the Bow without Shooting pīn yīn: yǐn ér bù fā Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies readiness to take action while waiting for the right opportunity. It also implies guiding or preparing others to act independently when they are ready. Historical Source: Mencius – The Book

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Wu Shi Bu Xiao Bai Bu – Fifty Steps Laughing at a Hundred Steps

Chinese Idiom: 五十步笑百步 (Wu Shi Bu Xiao Bai Bu) English Translation: Fifty Steps Laughing at a Hundred Steps pīn yīn: wǔ shí bù xiào bǎi bù Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that while both parties have flaws or errors, one criticizes the other for a problem they themselves also possess, only to a lesser extent.

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San Ren Cheng Hu – Three Men Make a Tiger

Chinese Idiom: 三人成虎 (San Ren Cheng Hu) English Translation: Three Men Make a Tiger pīn yīn: sān rén chéng hǔ Idiom Meaning: This idiom illustrates that if a false rumor is repeated often enough, it can be believed as true. Historical Source: Strategies of the Warring States (战国策), specifically the strategies of the state of

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Ren Ji Jia Zu – People Enjoy Abundance at Home

Chinese Idiom: 人给家足 (Ren Ji Jia Zu) English Translation: People Enjoy Abundance at Home pīn yīn: rén jǐ jiā zú Idiom Meaning: Everyone is well-fed and warm, and every family is prosperous and comfortable. “给” and “足” imply affluence and abundance. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shǐjì) – “The Preface by the Grand

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Ren Qi Wo Qu – Taking What Others Abandon

Chinese Idiom: 人弃我取 (Ren Qi Wo Qu) English Translation: Taking What Others Abandon pīn yīn: rén qì wǒ qǔ Idiom Meaning: Originally meant that one picks up what others discard. Nowadays, it commonly signifies having interests or opinions different from others. Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shǐjì) – “Biography of Merchants.” Idiom Story:

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