Basic Info The image is of something unbleached and unpainted – silk before dyeing, wood before carving. Both “素” and “朴” in classical Chinese point to the natural, unadorned state of things before human artifice. Figurative Definition It means to preserve one’s original pure and simple nature – to remain sincere, genuine, unpretentious, and…
Basic Info The image is of someone who places fire beneath a pile of firewood and then sleeps on top of it – utterly exposed to imminent destruction while believing themselves safe. Figurative Definition It describes a situation of extreme, imminent danger that is either unrecognized or deliberately ignored – a false sense of…
Basic Info Also seen in the classical variant “保残守缺” (bǎo cán shǒu quē). Figurative Definition It describes someone who clings stubbornly to outdated, defective, or fragmentary things and refuses to accept new ideas, methods, or reforms. The emphasis is on conservatism and resistance to change: the person would rather preserve something broken and incomplete…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It means to share only the good news and conceal the bad – to report successes, achievements, and pleasant developments while hiding problems, failures, difficulties, or risks. The person or organization presents a rosy picture while suppressing anything that might cause concern. It can describe: In short: only the good…
Basic Info Also written as “报仇雪恨” (bào chóu xuě hèn) and “复仇雪耻” (fù chóu xuě chǐ). Figurative Definition It means to avenge a wrong and wipe out the humiliation that came with it – not merely to retaliate, but to restore one’s honor and dignity after being wronged or disgraced. It carries a strong…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It means to safeguard the nation’s territory and security while ensuring peace, stability, and well-being for the people. It describes the core duty of good leadership and statecraft: national defense and public welfare must go hand in hand. It is used to praise rulers, officials, generals, or public servants who…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes someone who, though advanced in years, has lost none of their skill, ability, or prowess – a veteran whose “blade” is still as sharp as ever. It is high praise for enduring competence in old age, especially in physical or professional skills. It can describe: It is closely…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes a person of deep and extensive learning – someone whose mind is full to the brim with knowledge, well-read, cultured, and intellectually accomplished. It is a respectful term for a true scholar: not someone with superficial knowledge, but someone who has genuinely absorbed and mastered their field. It…
Basic Info It is almost always used with its companion phrase “无所用心” (wú suǒ yòng xīn – “applying one’s mind to nothing”), forming the full saying: “饱食终日，无所用心。”(“To eat one’s fill all day and apply one’s mind to nothing.”) Figurative Definition It describes someone who spends the whole day eating and doing nothing meaningful –…