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.
There was a merchant named Xu in Jiaozhou. One day his boat was caught in a big storm at sea and he lost control of it. When the storm died down, he opened his eyes and found himself in a jungle valley. He wished he could encounter some people there, so he took a…