Chinese idioms, called chéngyǔ (成语), are concise phrases packed with cultural wisdom. Most consist of just four characters but convey vivid stories, historical lessons, or philosophical ideas. All Chinese idioms have their own original story and express a particular meaning. They are essential for mastering advanced Chinese and understanding Chinese culture.
Wang Bo (649 or 650–676) was a renowned literary figure of the Tang dynasty. His courtesy name was Zi’an, and he was from Longmen, Jiangzhou (present-day Hejin, Shanxi). At the age of nine, after reading Yan Shigu‘s annotated version of the Book of Han, he composed a ten-volume critique titled Zhi Xia (“Pointing Out…