This entry explains Chinese idiom yǐ é chuán é. Originating from Southern‑Song literary criticism, it depicts errors getting amplified through repeated un‑checked transmission, urging source‑verification against widespread modern misinformation.
This page unpacks the Chinese idiom “Zì xiāng máo dùn” (self‑contradiction) from Han Feizi. It tells the spear‑and‑shield fable, explains its figurative sense, cultural influence and corresponding English expressions.
This page explains the idiom Fa Bu E Gui from Han Feizi. It means law must not favour nobles or powerful figures, demanding equal enforcement regardless of social rank and status.
This page explains the idiom Fa Bu Xun Qing, originating from Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It means law must not bend to private affection, advocating impartial justice free from nepotism and personal favoritism.
This page explains the idiom Mai Du Huan Zhu from Han Feizi. A Zheng man buys an ornate jewel‑box yet gives back the pearl. It criticizes valuing fancy outer packaging over genuine inner substance and poor discernment.
This page explains the Chinese idiom Liang Yao Ku Kou. Originating from Han Feizi, it compares helpful but unpleasant sincere criticism to bitter‑tasting curative medicine, whose counterpart is “faithful words grate on the ear”.
This entry explains idiom “Bu shi zhou su”, originating from Records of the Grand Historian. Based on Bo Yi and Shu Qi’s story, it symbolizes moral integrity: refusing benefits from a regime deemed unjust, with nuanced positive‑critical readings.