Chinese Idiom: 当务之急Pinyin: dāng wù zhī jíLiteral: the urgent task one is attending to.Figurative: the most critical and pressing matter that needs immediate attention among all current‑day tasks. It refers to the top‑priority issue at the present moment. Origin This idiom comes from Mencius · Jin Xin Shang (《孟子·尽心上》). “知者无不知也，当务之为急。”Translation: “A wise man knows…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 以卵击石Pinyin: yǐ luǎn jī shíLiteral Meaning: To strike a rock with an egg.Figurative Meaning: It describes overestimating one’s own strength and recklessly challenging a far‑more powerful opponent, which will almost certainly lead to self‑destruction or total defeat. Equivalent to “to kick against the pricks” or “throw an egg against a…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 知彼知己Pinyin: zhī bǐ zhī jǐLiteral Meaning: Understand the enemy (the other side), and understand yourself.Figurative Meaning: This idiom means having a thorough grasp of both the opponent’s conditions and one’s own strengths and weaknesses. It highlights intelligence and self‑awareness before taking action, so you can make wise decisions and avoid…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 举案齐眉Pinyin: jǔ àn qí méiLiteral Meaning: Hold the food tray level with one’s eyebrows.Figurative Meaning: Describe a married couple who treat each other with deep respect and courtesy in daily life.
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 安步当车Pinyin: ān bù dāng chē Literal Meaning: Take leisurely slow walks as if riding a carriage. Figurative Meaning: Lead a simple, tranquil life without craving luxurious transportation or material comforts; walk unhurriedly and contentedly instead of taking a vehicle. It also embodies a calm, peaceful mindset that finds satisfaction in plain living.…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 四体不勤，五谷不分Pinyin: sì tǐ bù qín, wǔ gǔ bù fēnLiteral Meaning: One does not work with one’s four limbs, and cannot tell the five staple grains apart.Figurative Meaning: A person who lives in comfort, never engages in manual labor, and lacks basic knowledge of farming and everyday practical life. It criticizes…
Idiom Explanation: Máo Suì Zì Jiàn (毛遂自荐) Basic Information Pinyin: máo suì zì jiànLiteral Meaning: Mao Sui recommends himself.Figurative Meaning: Volunteer for a task or recommend one’s own abilities to take on a mission without waiting for others to appoint you. Cultural Background This idiom originates from a famous historical story of the Warring…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom:茅塞顿开Pinyin: máo sè dùn kāiLiteral Meaning: The thatch blocking the mind is cleared all at once.Figurative Meaning: Suddenly gain a thorough understanding of something; have a sudden flash of insight after being enlightened by others’ words or guidance. Cultural Background This idiom uses a vivid natural metaphor from mountain paths. If…