— By Su Shi [Song Dynasty] Viewed from the front, it is a mountain range; viewed from the side, towering peaks.From afar, near, high, or low, it always appears different.I cannot recognize Mount Lu’s true face,Simply because I am standing right inside this mountain. Note The Author and the “wall poem” Tradition Su Shi…
Basic Info The image is of an army drawn up with a river at its back – no retreat possible, no escape route, only the choice to fight to the death or be destroyed. Figurative Definition It means to commit fully to a decisive struggle with no possibility of retreat – to burn one’s…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It means to avenge a wrong in order to release long-held hatred and resentment – to finally settle a score that has been burning inside for years. The emphasis falls on “雪恨”: the hatred itself must be washed away, not merely that the enemy is punished. Until the vengeance is…
Basic Info The image is of people rushing from place to place while crying out loudly – either in panic and distress, or in urgent appeal for help. Figurative Definition It has two related meanings: The key elements are movement (奔走 – running about, not staying still) and voice (呼号 – crying out, making…
Basic Info The image is of wealth or gain obtained through improper means leaving again through equally improper means – nothing unjustly gained stays. Figurative Definition It means that ill-gotten gains do not last – money or property acquired through dishonest, improper, or unreasonable means will be lost in the same way. It can…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes someone who breaks their word and abandons moral principle – betraying the trust placed in them and acting without honor. It combines two failings: A useful distinction from its near-synonym “言而无信” (yán ér wú xìn – “to say things but keep no word”): In short: to betray a…
Basic Info Cultural note on “井”: In ancient China, eight families shared a single well (井) as the center of their community. The well thus became a symbol of home, neighborhood, and belonging. To “turn one’s back on the well” was to leave one’s community – the very image of uprooting oneself. Figurative Definition…
Basic Info Also written as “背义忘恩” (bèi yì wàng ēn). Figurative Definition It describes someone who betrays the people who have helped them – forgetting the kindness and favors they have received, and acting without any sense of moral obligation or gratitude. It is a strong condemnation of ingratitude and disloyalty, especially toward a…
Basic Info The image is of someone racing full speed in the opposite direction from the proper road or from someone else. Figurative Definition It means to move in a direction completely opposite to the right one, or to someone else’s direction – to be diametrically opposed in purpose, method, or goal. It can…