Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 兔死狗烹Pinyin: tù sǐ gǒu pēngLiteral Meaning: After all hares are hunted down, the hunting hounds are boiled and eaten.Figurative Meaning: Once a goal is accomplished, those who were used to achieve it are abandoned or even eliminated. It mainly refers to persecuting loyal and meritorious people. Cultural Background This idiom…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 鸟尽弓藏Pinyin: niǎo jìn gōng cángLiteral Meaning: When all birds are gone, the bows are put away.Figurative Meaning: Abandon or betray those who have offered help once the goal is achieved. Historically, it particularly referred to rulers dismissing or even killing meritorious officials after seizing power. Cultural Background This idiom is…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 愚者千虑，必有一得Pinyin: yú zhě qiān lǜ, bì yǒu yī déLiteral Meaning: A foolish person who thinks a thousand times will eventually come up with something worthwhile.Figurative Meaning: Even ordinary or less intelligent people can offer valuable ideas or insights after repeated thinking. Nobody is completely useless.
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 智者千虑，必有一失Pinyin: zhì zhě qiān lǜ, bì yǒu yī shīLiteral Meaning: Even a wise person who thinks a thousand times will make at least one mistake.Figurative Meaning: No one is flawless. Even the wisest people may commit errors despite careful consideration.
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 坐山观虎斗Pinyin: zuò shān guān hǔ dòuLiteral Meaning: Sit on the mountain and watch two tigers fight.Figurative Meaning: To stand by and watch others struggle, waiting until both sides are weakened or defeated before stepping in to seize benefits for oneself. Cultural Background This idiom reflects a classic strategic mindset in…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 一鸣惊人 Pinyin: yī míng jīng rén Literal Meaning: Its single cry stuns everyone. Figurative Meaning: Someone who stays obscure for a long time suddenly achieves remarkable success and amazes others. Cultural Background This is a classic inspirational Chinese idiom with two recorded ancient sources. It tells the story of a…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 价值连城Pinyin: jià zhí lián chéngLiteral Meaning: Worth a cluster of connected cities, worth several cities.Figurative Meaning: Extremely precious and invaluable Cultural Background Derived from the tale of the He Shi Bi jade, a legendary ancient treasure. The idiom is used to praise rare treasures, precious artworks or invaluable talents. In…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 江东父老Pinyin: jiāng dōng fù lǎoLiteral Meaning: Elders and folks living east of the Yangtze RiverFigurative Meaning: Hometown elders, clansmen and fellow townsfolk Cultural Background The phrase originates from the tragic story of the ancient hero Xiang Yu. It is commonly used when people feel ashamed and defeated, unwilling to face…
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 破釜沉舟Pinyin: pò fǔ chén zhōuLiteral Meaning: Smash cooking pots and sink sailing boats.Figurative Meaning: Fight a decisive battle with no retreat. It also means making a firm resolution to carry things through regardless of difficulties. Cultural Background Derived from a well-known ancient military story – Xiang Yu’s Gamble at Julu.…