Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes someone or something that has endured long periods of hardship, suffering, and difficult conditions – “wind and frost” being a classical metaphor for life’s trials. Such a person is usually weathered, toughened, and marked by experience, often with visible signs of age and struggle. It can describe: A…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes someone or something that has lived through many great changes, upheavals, and transformations in the world – a person, place, or thing marked by long experience of life’s rise and fall. Such a person is usually seasoned, weathered, and wise, carrying the visible marks of history. It can…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes something that is all-encompassing, richly varied, and comprehensive – containing every kind of thing, idea, or phenomenon within it. It is used to praise works, collections, exhibitions, systems, or ideas that are encyclopedic in scope and leave little out. A useful distinction: “包罗万象” emphasizes richness and variety of…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes someone who hides malicious intentions beneath a friendly or harmless exterior – outwardly polite, cooperative, or trustworthy, but inwardly scheming to harm others. It is a strong warning about hidden hostility and deception. It can describe: In short: kindness on the surface, harm underneath. Cultural & Historical Origin…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It means that one’s name does not appear on the list of successful candidates – in other words, failing an examination or not being selected. It is most commonly used for exam results, but it can also describe not making a team, a shortlist, an award list, or any selection…
Basic Info The image is of someone whose hands and feet keep getting caught, tangled, or blocked – making every movement awkward and obstructed. Figurative Definition It describes someone or something that gets in the way and hinders others from doing things smoothly – an obstacle that makes work awkward, inefficient, or frustrating. It…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes a state of uncertainty about whether something is true or false – being partly convinced and partly skeptical, unable to fully accept or fully reject a claim. The person is suspended between belief and doubt, withholding final judgment. It is used when: In short: not quite convinced, not…
Basic Info The image is of someone who simultaneously resists and yields – turning away with one hand while leaning in with the other. Figurative Definition It describes feigned reluctance – pretending to refuse or resist something while actually being willing or eager to accept it. The person says “no” with their words or…
Basic Info Also written as “中途而废” (zhōng tú ér fèi). Figurative Definition It means to give up on something before it is finished – to abandon a task, project, or goal partway through, without seeing it to completion. It criticizes lack of persistence, impatience, and the failure to follow through. It can describe: In…