SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Yuán Mù Qiú Yú (缘木求鱼)

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    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 缘木求鱼Pinyin: yuán mù qiú yúLiteral Meaning: Climb a tree to catch fish.Figurative Meaning: Try to achieve a goal by using wrong methods or taking the wrong direction, which is doomed to fail. Cultural Background This idiom comes from Mencius, one of the core classics of Confucianism. It adopts a vivid…

  • Yuǎn Shuǐ Bù Jiù Jìn Huǒ (远水不救近火)

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    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 远水不救近火 or 远水救不了近火Pinyin: yuǎn shuǐ bù jiù jìn huǒLiteral Meaning: Water from afar cannot put out a nearby fire.Figurative Meaning: Slow or distant help is useless for an urgent crisis at hand. Cultural Background This ancient idiom uses a plain yet vivid daily metaphor. It reminds people to solve immediate…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.19

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Li Chu warned Duke Mu: distant allies Jin and Chu can’t help Lu against nearby Qi. Distant water fails near fires.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.18

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Hui Zi used analogy: Tian Si’s deception is innate, like blindness. The Lord of Zou spared him.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.17

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells a guard ate the immortality elixir. He used logic to argue innocence and expose fraud, saving his life.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.16

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Guan Zhong followed an old horse and Xi Peng found water via ants. Wise men learn from nature and experience.