Chinese Idiom Dictionary

变本加厉

biàn běn jiā lì

Literally 'change the original and add intensity,' meaning to develop further than the original stat…

变化如神

biàn huà rú shén

This idiom describes changes that are so rapid and wondrous they seem supernatural. It is often used…

变化无穷

biàn huà wú qióng

Describes something that continuously changes without ever reaching an end or limit. It emphasizes t…

辨若悬河

biàn ruò xuán hé

Describes someone who speaks with extraordinary eloquence and fluency, as if words pour from their m…

辨日炎凉

biàn rì yán liáng

This idiom refers to the ancient fable in which two children debate whether the sun is closer to the…

辨如悬河

biàn rú xuán hé

Describes someone who speaks with extraordinary eloquence and fluency, their words flowing endlessly…

变生不测

biàn shēng bù cè

An unexpected and significant change or catastrophe occurs suddenly without warning. It describes a …

辨物居方

biàn wù jū fāng

To discern the nature and conditions of various things and assign each to its appropriate place, so …

变颜变色

biàn yán biàn sè

To change one's facial expression and complexion due to inner emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger,…

便宜行事

biàn yì xíng shì

To handle affairs according to actual circumstances at one's own discretion, without first seeking a…

别出手眼

bié chū shǒu yǎn

To possess a uniquely original perspective and technique that sets one apart from the ordinary. It d…

别出心裁

bié chū xīn cái

To come up with a unique approach or design that differs from convention. It describes creative thin…

别居异财

bié jū yì cái

This idiom refers to living apart from one's parents and managing one's own household finances separ…

别开蹊径

bié kāi xī jìng

To open up a new path; to create an original style or approach. It describes someone who breaks away…

别作良图

bié zuò liáng tú

To devise an alternative and better plan or course of action. It is used to advise someone to recons…

鞭辟向里

biān bì xiàng lǐ

To penetrate deeply into the innermost layer of a subject, analyzing it thoroughly and profoundly. I…

鞭擗向里

biān bì xiàng lǐ

To delve deeply and thoroughly into a subject, penetrating to its innermost core. It describes a rig…

鞭辟着里

biān bì zhuó lǐ

To analyze and probe so deeply that one penetrates to the innermost layer of a subject. It describes…

鞭长不及

biān cháng bù jí

Literally 'the whip is long but cannot reach.' It describes a situation where one's power, influence…

鞭长莫及

biān cháng mò jí

Originally meaning that even a long whip cannot reach the horse's belly. It is now used as a metapho…

标情夺趣

biāo qíng duó qù

To convey feeling and provoke amusement; the art of expressing affection and creating playful deligh…

标同伐异

biāo tóng fá yì

To publicly praise and ally with those who share one's views while attacking and excluding those who…

变贪厉薄

biǎn tān lì bó

To reform the greedy and correct the frivolous, guiding them toward integrity and uprightness. It re…

表里相依

biǎo lǐ xiāng yī

Refers to two parties that are intimately connected and mutually dependent on each other, just as th…

表面文章

biǎo miàn wén zhāng

This idiom describes work or behavior that is superficially impressive but lacks substance or genuin…

拜赐之师

bài cì zhī shī

A satirical expression for a military campaign launched to exact revenge that ends in humiliating de…

稗官野史

bài guān yě shǐ

Refers to unofficial historical writings and folk tales compiled by minor officials or private indiv…

拜鬼求神

bài guǐ qiú shén

To kneel and pray to ghosts and deities, seeking their protection and blessings. The idiom describes…

败兴而归

bài xìng ér guī

To return in low spirits after having one's enthusiasm dampened. It describes coming back disappoint…

半半拉拉

bàn bàn lā lā

This idiom describes something that is incomplete, unfinished, or done only halfway. It often refers…

半壁江山

bàn bì jiāng shān

Half of the country's territory. It refers to the portion of national land that remains after enemy …

半截入土

bàn jié rù tǔ

Half of one's body is already buried in the earth. This idiom is a metaphor meaning that a person do…

半上半下

bàn shàng bàn xià

Describes being caught in an in-between state, neither fully one thing nor another. It refers to amb…

伴食中书

bàn shí zhōng shū

Refers to a high-ranking minister who holds office but is so inept and cowardly that he dares not vo…

半生不熟

bàn shēng bù shú

Literally meaning 'half-raw and not fully cooked,' this idiom describes food that has not been thoro…

半疑半信

bàn yí bàn xìn

To be partly skeptical and partly convinced at the same time, unable to determine whether something …

蚌病生珠

bàng bìng shēng zhū

Literally meaning 'a sick clam produces a pearl,' this idiom metaphorically describes how hardship a…

棒打鸳鸯

bàng dǎ yuān yāng

Literally 'beating mandarin ducks with a stick.' It is a metaphor for forcibly separating a loving c…

傍人篱壁

bàng rén lí bì

To lean against someone else's fence wall. A metaphor for relying on or imitating others rather than…

抱成一团

bào chéng yī tuán

To band closely together and act as one unified group. It describes people who maintain a tight-knit…

抱法处势

bào fǎ chǔ shì

This idiom means to combine law with authority, using one's position of power to ensure the enforcem…

抱关击柝

bào guān jī tuò

To hold a gate and strike the watchman's clapper, originally referring to guards who kept watch at c…

抱关执籥

bào guān zhí yuè

To hold the door bolt and grasp the keys, referring to the humble duty of a gatekeeper or minor cust…

抱火厝薪

bào huǒ cuò xīn

Literally 'to hold fire and place it under firewood.' It is a metaphor for a situation where danger …

抱恨黄泉

bào hèn huáng quán

To die harboring unfulfilled regrets and unresolved grievances. It describes someone who passes away…

抱璞泣血

bào pú qì xuè

Literally holding an uncut piece of jade while weeping tears of blood, this idiom describes a person…

暴取豪夺

bào qǔ háo duó

To take by force and plunder through brute coercion. It describes the behavior of powerful individua…

报效万一

bào xiào wàn yī

The kindness or grace one has received is so immense that even the utmost devotion could only repay …

暴躁如雷

bào zào rú léi

Describes a person who is explosively angry and short-tempered, raging with the sudden force and int…

拔本塞源

bá běn sè yuán

Literally to pull up a tree's roots and dam up a water source. It metaphorically means to eliminate …

拔地参天

bá dì cān tiān

Describes something that rises abruptly from the ground and towers into the sky, conveying immense h…

拔刀相助

bá dāo xiāng zhù

To draw one's sword and rush to someone's aid, typically by stepping in when someone is being treate…

跋扈恣睢

bá hù zì suī

Refers to acting in a tyrannical and violent manner, doing whatever one pleases without any restrain…

跋扈自恣

bá hù zì zì

Describes someone who acts willfully and recklessly without any restraint or fear of consequences. I…

拔葵啖枣

bá kuí dàn zǎo

To pull up someone's vegetables and steal their dates. This idiom refers to petty theft or minor pil…

拔来报往

bá lái fù wǎng

Describes someone dashing back and forth in a hurried, restless manner. It conveys a sense of consta…

拔苗助长

bá miáo zhù zhǎng

To ruin something by rushing it. Trying to speed up a natural process and ending up destroying it.

拔辖投井

bá xiá tóu jǐng

Refers to earnestly and forcibly keeping guests to drink. Originates from Chen Zun of the Han dynast…

拔宅上升

bá zhái shàng shēng

A Daoist legend in which a cultivator's entire household—family and dwelling—rises to the immortal r…

拔帜树帜

bá zhì shù zhì

A metaphor for achieving victory by secretly replacing an opponent's banners with one's own, causing…

白白朱朱

bái bái zhū zhū

Literally 'white is white, red is red,' this idiom describes flowers and trees of many different kin…

白璧青蝇

bái bì qīng yíng

The idiom contrasts the pure and innocent (white jade) with the slanderous and treacherous (green fl…

白发丹心

bái fà dān xīn

Describes an elderly person who, despite advanced age and white hair, still holds a loyal, sincere, …

白饭青刍

bái fàn qīng chú

White rice is served to the guest while green hay is fed to the guest's horse. It describes a host w…

白圭之玷

bái guī zhī diàn

A flaw on a white jade tablet. It is a metaphor for a person or thing that is generally excellent bu…

白骨露野

bái gǔ lù yě

The bones of the dead lie exposed in the open wilderness. It depicts a tragic scene caused by war or…

白黑颠倒

bái hēi diān dǎo

To confuse black with white, turning right and wrong upside down. It describes a situation where tru…

白面书生

bái miàn shū shēng

Refers to a young scholar who lacks practical experience and real-world knowledge. Literally means a…

白山黑水

bái shān hēi shuǐ

Refers to Changbai Mountain (长白山) and the Heilongjiang River (黑龙江), collectively symbolizing Northea…

白首空归

bái shǒu kōng guī

Literally 'to return with white hair and empty hands.' It describes someone who has grown old withou…

白首齐眉

bái shǒu qí méi

To grow old together with mutual respect and affection, as a married couple. It conveys the ideal of…

白头偕老

bái tóu xié lǎo

To live together in love and harmony until old age, referring to a married couple growing old togeth…

背碑覆局

bèi bēi fù jú

The ability to recite stele inscriptions from memory after reading them, and to reconstruct a chess …

备尝艰苦

bèi cháng jiān kǔ

To have fully experienced every kind of hardship and suffering. It describes someone who has endured…

背道而驰

bèi dào ér chí

To run in the opposite direction. It describes people or actions whose directions and goals are comp…

背公向私

bèi gōng xiàng sī

To betray public duty for private gain, disregarding laws and regulations in pursuit of personal pro…

背公营私

bèi gōng yíng sī

To betray public duty in pursuit of private gain; to abuse one's position for personal profit. It de…

背曲腰弯

bèi qǔ yāo wān

Describes a person whose back and waist are bent and hunched, usually as a result of old age or prol…

备位充数

bèi wèi chōng shù

A self-deprecating expression meaning to merely hold a post without being qualified or able to fulfi…

避烦斗捷

bì fán dòu jié

To shun what is arduous or complex and instead vie for what is quick and easy. It describes a tenden…

闭关自守

bì guān zì shǒu

Literally to shut the passes and defend oneself. It describes cutting off contact with the outside w…

避坑落井

bì kēng luò jǐng

To dodge a pit only to fall into a well. It is a metaphor for escaping one harm or danger, only to s…

闭门塞户

bì kǒu sè hù

To shut doors and seal up openings. It describes taking extremely strict precautions or shutting one…

闭口无言

bì kǒu wú yán

To shut one's mouth and say nothing. It describes someone who remains silent because they feel they …

髀里肉生

bì lǐ ròu shēng

Flesh growing on the thighs from not riding a horse for a long time. It describes living in comfort …

闭门读书

bì mén dú shū

To close the door and read books at home, originally referring to studying alone without exchanging …

筚门圭窬

bì mén guī yú

Literally a rough bamboo gate and a small wedge-shaped hole in the wall serving as a doorway. It des…

闭门觅句

bì mén mì jù

Describes the painstaking effort of composing poetry through deep contemplation. It portrays a poet …

闭门埽轨

bì mén sào guǐ

To shut one's door and sweep away the cart tracks in front of it. It means to cut off all social con…

闭门扫轨

bì mén sǎo guǐ

To shut one's door and sweep away the carriage ruts, symbolizing a complete severance of social cont…

避俗趋新

bì sú qū xīn

To abandon old customs and conventions in favor of new trends and ideas. It describes a deliberate c…

弊衣疏食

bì yī shū shí

Wearing tattered clothing and eating coarse, simple food. It describes a life of frugality and hards…

毕雨箕风

bì yǔ jī fēng

Originally referring to the common people being like stars — the Bi constellation favors rain while …

避重逐轻

bì zhòng zhú qīng

To shirk heavier responsibilities and take on only the lighter ones. It describes someone who dodges…

避而不谈

bì ér bù tán

To deliberately avoid discussing or mentioning something. It refers to intentionally evading a topic…

病病歪歪

bìng bìng wāi wāi

Describes a person who is weak and feeble because of illness, appearing unsteady and listing about a…

病骨支离

bìng gǔ zhī lí

Describes a person who is extremely emaciated and frail from prolonged illness, with bones visible t…

病入膏肓

bìng rù gāo huāng

Beyond cure; a problem so deeply rooted it cannot be fixed. Originally referred to terminal illness.

病染膏肓

bìng rǎn gāo huāng

The disease has penetrated the gao-huang, the innermost vital region of the body where medicine cann…

并威偶势

bìng wēi ǒu shì

To gather and combine one's prestige and power with that of others. It describes uniting authority a…

鼻孔辽天

bí kǒng liáo tiān

Tilting one's head back so the nostrils face the sky. It describes someone who is extremely arrogant…

鼻青眼紫

bí qīng yǎn zǐ

The nose is bruised green and the eye area is dark purple. It describes a face that is severely batt…

鼻息如雷

bí xī rú léi

Snoring as loud as thunder. It describes someone sleeping very soundly with loud, heavy snoring. The…

薄技在身

bó jì zài shēn

Literally 'a meager skill in one's body.' It refers to possessing some small but practical skill tha…

擘两分星

bó liǎng fēn xīng

To distinguish even the smallest weight with perfect clarity. It is a metaphor for being extremely a…

博闻强识

bó wén qiáng zhì

Having extensive learning and a powerful memory. It describes a person who has acquired a wide range…

博物多闻

bó wù duō wén

Describes someone who is widely read, well-traveled, and possesses extensive knowledge across many f…

博学多闻

bó xué duō wén

This idiom describes a person who has broad, extensive learning and rich, varied experience. It prai…

伯仲叔季

bó zhòng shū jì

A traditional Chinese system for designating the birth order among brothers: bo (伯) is the eldest, z…

不辨菽粟

bù biàn shū sù

Literally "cannot tell beans from millet," this idiom describes someone who is foolish and ignorant,…

步步莲花

bù bù lián huā

Originally describing a woman's light and graceful way of walking, as if lotus flowers bloomed benea…

步步为营

bù bù wéi yíng

Originally a military term describing how an army advances by setting up fortified camps at each ste…

不差上下

bù chā shàng xià

To be roughly equal or on par, with no significant difference between two or more parties. It descri…

不耻下问

bù chǐ xià wèn

Not feeling ashamed to ask questions of those who are younger or of lower status. It describes a per…

不耻最后

bù chǐ zuì hòu

Literally 'not ashamed of being last.' It means not feeling ashamed for coming in last place in a co…

不次之位

bù cì zhī wèi

Refers to the practice of appointing talented individuals to important official positions without ad…

不得违误

bù dé wéi wù

This is a formal phrase from official documents meaning that one must not disobey orders or delay of…

不乏其人

bù fá qí rén

There is no shortage of such people; individuals of that kind are not rare. It is used to indicate t…

不愤不启

bù fèn bù qǐ

This idiom describes Confucius's teaching method: a teacher should not enlighten a student until the…

不负众望

bù fù zhòng wàng

To live up to the expectations of the many; to not disappoint those who have placed their hopes in y…

不分彼此

bù fēn bǐ cǐ

This idiom means not distinguishing between 'that' (the other) and 'this' (oneself). It describes a …

不分青白

bù fēn qīng béi

To fail to distinguish between black and white, i.e., to confuse right and wrong. It describes someo…

不分轩轾

bù fēn xuān zhì

轩 refers to the raised front of a carriage and 轾 to the lowered rear. The idiom means making no dist…

不管一二

bù guǎn yī èr

To act without regard for right or wrong, reasons, or consequences. It describes someone who rushes …

不顾前后

bù gù qián hòu

To act recklessly without considering the consequences of one's actions, either what lies ahead or w…

不甘示弱

bù gān shì ruò

示 means to show or display. This idiom describes being unwilling to show oneself as inferior to othe…

不攻自破

bù gōng zì pò

It collapses on its own without needing to be attacked. This idiom describes an argument, theory, or…

不欢而散

bù huān ér sàn

To part on bad terms or disperse unhappily. It describes a situation where people leave a gathering,…

不稼不穑

bù jià bù sè

To neither sow nor reap; to not participate in agricultural labor. Used metaphorically to criticize …

不见天日

bù jiàn tiān rì

Literally meaning 'unable to see the light of the sun,' this idiom is a metaphor for a society or si…

不绝如线

bù jué rú xiàn

Describes a situation so precarious it is like a thread about to snap — on the verge of collapse or …

不近道理

bù jìn dào lǐ

Describes someone who is unreasonable and lacks a basic sense of fairness in dealing with others. It…

不急之务

bù jí zhī wù

Matters that are not urgent or pressing. It refers to tasks or affairs that, while perhaps worth doi…

不紧不慢

bù jīn bù màn

Describes a person who is calm and unhurried, moving or speaking at a steady, relaxed pace. It conve…

不拘小节

bù jū xiǎo jié

Not being constrained by trivial matters or petty rules. It describes someone who is broad-minded an…

不媿下学

bù kuì xià xué

Not feeling ashamed to learn from people of lower status or lesser knowledge. It describes a humble …

不堪一击

bù kān yī jī

Cannot withstand a single blow; describes something so weak or fragile that it collapses at the firs…

不可多得

bù kě duō dé

Describes something or someone so rare that it is hard to obtain. It is most often used to praise ex…

不可告人

bù kě gào rén

This idiom refers to something that cannot be told to others, typically because it is shameful, immo…

不可教训

bù kě jiào xùn

Describes someone who is utterly incapable of being taught or corrected, no matter how much educatio…

不可枚举

bù kě méi jǔ

Cannot be enumerated one by one. It describes a quantity or variety so great that listing each item …

不可名状

bù kě míng zhuàng

This idiom describes something that cannot be expressed or described with words. It is used when emo…

不可胜道

bù kě shèng dào

Too numerous to be fully recounted or expressed; impossible to exhaust in telling. It describes an o…

不可胜记

bù kě shèng jì

Describes something so numerous or abundant that it cannot be fully recorded or listed one by one. I…

不可胜举

bù kě shèng jù

The idiom means something is so numerous that it cannot be listed one by one. It emphasizes an overw…

不可思议

bù kě sī yì

Describes something so extraordinary, mysterious, or profound that it defies ordinary understanding …

不留余地

bù liú yú dì

Not leaving any room or margin. It describes speech or actions that leave no room for compromise or …

不了了之

bù liǎo liǎo zhī

To let a matter end by deliberately not settling it — shelving it aside and treating it as finished.…

不立文字

bù lì wén zì

A Buddhist term from the Chan (Zen) tradition referring to the approach of attaining enlightenment w…

不吝珠玉

bù lìn zhū yù

A polite expression asking someone to generously share their valuable insights, writings, or advice.…

不露锋芒

bù lù fēng máng

锋芒 (fengmang) refers to the sharp edge of a blade, metaphorically representing one's talent, ambitio…

不名一文

bù míng yī wén

To not have a single coin to one's name. Describes a state of extreme poverty, where a person is com…

不牧之地

bù mù zhī dì

This idiom refers to land that cannot be used for grazing livestock, meaning barren or uncultivated …

不念旧恶

bù niàn jiù è

To not hold grudges or dwell on past wrongs committed against oneself. It describes a magnanimous at…

不挠不折

bù náo bù zhé

Neither bending nor breaking; unwavering and unyielding. It describes a person of upright moral inte…

不偏不倚

bù piān bù yǐ

The phrase means to be impartial, taking neither side in a dispute. It describes an attitude of neut…

不期而然

bù qī ér rán

期 means to expect or hope; 然 means 'to be so.' The phrase literally means 'not expected, yet it is s…

不屈不挠

bù qū bù náo

This idiom describes someone who remains steadfast and refuses to give in, no matter how great the p…

不容置辩

bù róng zhì biàn

This idiom means that no argument or defense is permitted — there is absolutely no room for rebuttal…

不忍卒读

bù rěn zú dú

To be unable to bear finishing reading something. It describes writing so tragically moving that the…

不胜其烦

bù shèng qí fán

The character '胜' means to endure or bear, and '烦' means tedious or bothersome. The idiom describes …

不胜其任

bù shèng qí rèn

Unable to bear the responsibility or be up to the task. It describes a person who lacks the ability …

不识抬举

bù shí tái jǔ

To fail to recognize or appreciate the kindness or good intentions that others show toward one. It d…

不食烟火

bù shí yān huǒ

Literally means not eating cooked food, referring to Daoist ascetics who abstained from worldly nour…

不识一丁

bù shí yī dīng

Describes a person who is completely illiterate, unable to recognize even the simplest written chara…

不失毫厘

bù shī háo lí

Not off by a single hair or a fraction of a centimeter. It describes something done with absolute pr…

不速之客

bù sù zhī kè

An uninvited guest; someone who arrives without prior notice or invitation. It can refer to an unexp…

不腆之仪

bù tiǎn zhī yí

A modest or unworthy gift. It was traditionally used as a humble, self-deprecating expression when p…

不同流俗

bù tóng liú sú

To not follow prevailing vulgar customs or popular trends. It describes someone of noble character w…

不为已甚

bù wéi yǐ shèn

Not doing things to excess. It most often describes reproaching or punishing others only to a reason…

不习水土

bù xí shuǐ tǔ

Being unable to adapt to the climate, environment, or dietary habits of a new place. It describes th…

不远千里

bù yuǎn qiān lǐ

Not considering a thousand li to be far. It describes someone who travels a great distance without m…

不厌其繁

bù yàn qí fán

To not mind how complicated or tedious something is. It describes a patient, meticulous attitude tow…

不言而信

bù yán ér xìn

Refers to a person of such high moral standing that others trust them without needing words or expla…

不言而喻

bù yán ér yù

It means something is so obvious that it goes without saying; no words are needed to make it clear. …

不易一字

bù yì yī zì

Describes writing that flows so perfectly from the author's mind that not a single character needs t…

不易之典

bù yì zhī diǎn

An unchanging rule or principle. It refers to a law or standard that remains constant and should not…

不翼而飞

bù yì ér fēi

To fly away without wings. It is a metaphor for something disappearing suddenly and mysteriously, as…

不夷不惠

bù yí bù huì

To be neither as uncompromisingly principled as Bo Yi nor as excessively accommodating as Liu Xia Hu…

不以为耻

bù yǐ wéi chǐ

To not consider something shameful; to feel no sense of disgrace. It describes someone who lacks a p…

不值一钱

bù zhí yī qián

Literally meaning 'not worth a single coin,' this idiom describes something or someone as completely…

不直一钱

bù zhí yī qián

A contemptuous phrase meaning something is utterly worthless, not worth even a single coin. It is us…

不知端倪

bù zhī duān ní

To be completely at a loss and unable to find any clue or starting point. It describes a state of be…

不知所以

bù zhī suǒ yǐ

Not understanding the reason why something is the case. It describes a state of being puzzled or bew…

不知死活

bù zhī sǐ huó

Describes someone who acts recklessly without understanding the danger or consequences of their acti…

不知头脑

bù zhī tóu nǎo

To be utterly confused and unable to make sense of a situation. It conveys being at a loss, not know…

不足介意

bù zú jiè yì

Not worth caring about; beneath one's notice. It describes treating something as too trivial to conc…

不足为法

bù zú wéi fǎ

Not worth learning or emulating; not a worthy model to follow. It describes something that falls sho…

不足为奇

bù zú wéi qí

Not worth being surprised by; nothing out of the ordinary. It describes a situation or phenomenon th…

不足为意

bù zú wéi yì

Not worth caring about; not worth taking seriously. It describes a situation where something is so t…

不安于室

bù ān yú shì

Literally meaning 'not content to stay in one's own chamber,' this idiom refers to a married woman w…

不安于位

bù ān yú wèi

This idiom describes someone who is dissatisfied with their job or post and unwilling to perform the…

巴巴劫劫

bā bā jié jié

Describes an anxious and impatient state of mind, conveying a sense of pressing urgency and restless…

八百孤寒

bā bǎi gū hán

"八百" signifies a great number, and "孤寒" refers to impoverished scholars. The idiom describes a large…

八方支援

bā fāng zhī yuán

This idiom describes receiving support and assistance from all directions and all sides. It conveys …

八荒之外

bā huāng zhī wài

Beyond the eight desolate and remote regions of the ancient world. It describes a place of extreme d…

巴山夜雨

bā shān yè yǔ

Refers to the lonely and melancholy feeling of being stranded far from home on a rainy autumn night.…

搬斤播两

bān jīn bō liǎng

This idiom describes someone who fusses and schemes over trivial amounts of money or goods. It portr…

搬口弄舌

bān kǒu nòng shé

To spread gossip and sow discord by carrying tales between people. It describes someone who stirs up…

班师回朝

bān shī huí cháo

To withdraw the army and return to the imperial court. It refers to the victorious return of a milit…

班师回俯

bān shī huí fǔ

This idiom refers to a victorious army returning to the capital after a successful military campaign…

包藏祸心

bāo cáng huò xīn

To harbor malicious intent or treacherous designs in one's heart. It describes someone who hides evi…

苞苴竿牍

bāo jū gān dú

This idiom refers to carrying gifts along with letters of recommendation to visit and curry favor wi…

包罗万有

bāo luó wàn yǒu

To contain or encompass absolutely everything that exists. A variant of the more common 包罗万象, it des…

褒衣博带

bāo yī bó dài

Wearing a loose robe and a wide sash. It refers to the traditional attire of ancient Chinese scholar…

卑不足道

bēi bù zú dào

Describes someone or something so lowly and insignificant that it is not worth mentioning. Often use…

北鄙之音

bēi bǐ zhī yīn

This idiom refers to the decadent music favored by King Zhou of the Shang dynasty, historically rega…

悲从中来

bēi cóng zhōng lái

Grief and sorrow welling up from the depths of one's heart. It describes an overwhelming feeling of …

杯蛇鬼车

bēi shé guǐ chē

Refers to imaginary monsters and terrifying illusions born from excessive fear, suspicion, and anxie…

奔走呼号

bēn zǒu hū háo

To run about while calling out for help. It describes someone in distress actively seeking aid and s…

奔走如市

bēn zǒu rú shì

Describes a scene where many people are bustling about for some purpose, as crowded and busy as a ma…

奔走相告

bēn zǒu xiāng gào

This idiom describes people running about to share important news with one another. It conveys a sen…

奔走钻营

bēn zǒu zuān yíng

To run around everywhere and scheme relentlessly for personal gain or advantage. It describes someon…

北门之寄

běi mén zhī jì

Refers to bearing a heavy military responsibility, especially defending a strategic frontier. The ph…

北辙南辕

běi zhé nán yuán

The cart ruts head north while the shafts point south. It describes actions that are completely cont…

本末倒置

běn mò dào zhì

Literally placing the root above the branches and the branches below. It is a metaphor for reversing…

本枝百世

běn zhī bǒi shì

This idiom describes a family or ruling house whose descendants prosper and flourish for a hundred g…

逼良为娼

bī liáng wéi chāng

Literally means forcing a virtuous woman into prostitution. It is used metaphorically to describe co…

逼上梁山

bī shàng liáng shān

A metaphor for being forced to rebel or rise up in resistance when left with no other choice. It now…

宾客盈门

bīn kè yíng mén

It means that visitors and guests are numerous, filling the doorway of a home or establishment. The …

兵不污刃

bīng bù wū rèn

Literally meaning weapons need not be stained, this idiom describes achieving victory without actual…

兵多者败

bīng duō zhě bài

An army with too many soldiers often suffers defeat in battle. The reason is that an excessively lar…

兵慌马乱

bīng huāng mǎ luàn

Describes the chaotic and unsettling state of society during times of war. It paints a picture of fl…

冰解的破

bīng jiě dì pò

Literally, ice melts and the arrow hits the bullseye. Figuratively, it describes how problems are th…

冰炭不投

bīng tàn bù tóu

A metaphor for two people who are fundamentally incompatible and cannot get along with each other. I…

冰消雾散

bīng xiāo wù sàn

Like ice melting and fog dissipating, this idiom describes the complete disappearance or collapse of…

播糠眯目

bō kāng mǐ mù

To scatter chaff and blind someone's eyes. This idiom is a metaphor for how seemingly trivial extern…

拨乱反正

bō luàn fǎn zhèng

This idiom means to eliminate chaos and disorder and restore normal order and correctness. 拨 means t…

拨乱反治

bō luàn fǎn zhì

To eliminate chaos and restore normal order. It is a variant of the more common idiom 拨乱反正 (bō luàn …

拨乱济时

bō luàn jì shí

To suppress turmoil and rescue a troubled era. It describes a leader who steps forward during chaoti…

拨万论千

bō wàn lùn qiān

Describes possessing abundant wealth and spending or handling money in sums of tens of thousands. It…

百不一存

bǎi bù yī cún

Out of a hundred, not one remains. It signifies near-total destruction or loss, with only a negligib…

百不一贷

bǎi bù yī dài

To show absolutely no leniency or mercy whatsoever; not a single person among a hundred is spared. I…

百不一遇

bǎi bù yī yù

Out of a hundred chances, one would not encounter it even once. It describes something extremely rar…

百般刁难

bǎi bān diāo nàn

To deliberately make things difficult for someone using every possible method and excuse. It describ…

百宝万货

bǎi bǎo wàn huò

This idiom refers to a vast quantity of precious treasures and valuable goods. It conveys the image …

百尺竿头

bǎi chǐ gān tóu

Literally the top of a hundred-foot pole. It is used as a metaphor for reaching a very high level of…

百端交集

bǎi duān jiāo jí

This idiom describes countless emotions and feelings welling up and intertwining all at once. It con…

百废具举

bǎi fèi jù jǔ

It describes a situation where many undertakings that had been neglected or abandoned are all being …

百花生日

bǎi huā shēng rì

The Birthday of the Hundred Flowers is the traditional name for the twelfth day of the second lunar …

百花争艳

bǎi huā zhēng yàn

Literally meaning a hundred flowers competing in beauty, this idiom describes flowers blooming vibra…

百口难分

bǎi kǒu nán fēn

Even with a hundred mouths, one would find it difficult to explain or defend oneself. It describes a…

百虑一致

bǎi lǜ yī zhì

Through a hundred different deliberations, one arrives at a single unified conclusion. It describes …

百密一疏

bǎi mì yī shū

A single oversight in a hundred careful precautions. It describes a situation where despite thorough…

百年好合

bǎi nián hǎo hé

A wedding blessing wishing the couple a lifelong harmonious union. It expresses the hope that husban…

百年好事

bǎi nián hǎo shì

Literally 'a hundred years of good fortune,' this idiom refers specifically to marriage and the joyo…

百品千条

bǎi pǐn qiān tiáo

This idiom refers to an extremely large number of names, categories, or designations. It describes a…

百巧成穷

bǎi qiǎo chéng qióng

Despite possessing many skills and talents, one still falls into poverty. It describes the paradox w…

百巧千穷

bǎi qiǎo qiān qióng

Despite possessing a hundred skills and a thousand talents, one remains in poverty and hardship. It …

百忍成金

bǎi rěn chéng jīn

Patience and endurance are as precious as gold. It extols the virtue of forbearance, suggesting that…

百世不磨

bǎi shì bù mó

Something that endures for a hundred generations without being erased or diminished. It describes a …

百世之利

bǎi shì zhī lì

This idiom refers to benefits and advantages that endure for a hundred generations—that is, long-ter…

百身何赎

bǎi shēn hé shú

Literally 'how could even a hundred of my lives redeem this?' It expresses the deepest, most agonizi…

百无所成

bǎi wú suǒ chéng

To achieve nothing at all despite having had every opportunity. It describes a situation where someo…

百无一成

bǎi wú yī chéng

It describes a state in which, out of a hundred endeavors, not a single one has succeeded. The idiom…

百无一堪

bǎi wú yī kān

Out of a hundred people, not one is capable or competent. It describes a situation where an entire g…

百下百着

bǎi xià bǎi zháo

Literally meaning 'a hundred strikes, a hundred hits,' this idiom describes actions that are unfaili…

百折千回

bǎi zhé qiān huí

Describes going through numerous twists, turns, and setbacks before reaching a goal. It conveys a jo…

百载树人

bǎi zǎi shù rén

It takes a hundred years to cultivate a person. It means that nurturing talent is a long-term endeav…

榜上无名

bǎng shàng wú míng

Literally meaning one's name does not appear on the posted list of results. It refers to failing an …

宝刀未老

bǎo dāo wèi lǎo

Describes a person who, despite reaching old age, remains as vigorous and capable as in their younge…

保境息民

bǎo jìng xī mín

To defend the country's borders and let the people live in peace. It describes a policy of maintaini…

宝马香车

bǎo mǎ xiāng chē

Refers to magnificent carriages drawn by fine, prized horses. The phrase describes elegant and luxur…

宝山空回

bǎo shān kōng huí

To enter a mountain full of treasures but return empty-handed. It is a metaphor for failing to gain …

饱以老拳

bǎo yǐ lǎo quán

To give someone a sound beating; to pummel someone thoroughly with one's fists. The phrase conveys b…

比比皆然

bǐ bǐ jiē rán

Found everywhere in great abundance; extremely common and widespread. It describes phenomena or thin…

匕鬯无惊

bǐ chàng wú jīng

Describes a state of strict discipline and order where nothing is disturbed. It conveys calm and sta…

笔底龙蛇

bǐ dǐ lóng shé

Describes calligraphy that is vivid, dynamic, and full of momentum, as if dragons and snakes are wri…

比肩叠踵

bǐ jiān dié zhǒng

It describes a place crowded with a great number of people, so densely packed that shoulders touch a…

比物此志

bǐ wù cǐ zhì

To use objects, events, or analogies to convey one's inner thoughts and aspirations. It describes th…

比屋可封

bǐ wū kě fēng

Originally describing the legendary reigns of Yao and Shun, when virtuous people were so numerous th…

鄙于不屑

bǐ yú bù xiè

Describes someone or something so vulgar and base that it is beneath contempt, not even worth a glan…

彼众我寡

bǐ zhòng wǒ guǎ

A phrase describing a situation in which the opposing side has greater numbers or strength while one…

秉笔直书

bǐng bǐ zhí shū

To write historical records truthfully and factually, without concealment or distortion. It embodies…

秉要执本

bǐng yào zhí běn

To seize upon what is essential and hold fast to the fundamental. The phrase describes an approach o…

补苴罅漏

bǔ jū xià lòu

To mend cracks and plug leaks. Metaphorically, to remedy the defects and shortcomings of a system, p…

补阙挂漏

bǔ quē guà lòu

To remedy defects and fill in gaps or omissions. The idiom describes the process of identifying and …

补天浴日

bǔ tiān yù rì

This idiom refers to two ancient myths: Nüwa mending the sky with five-colored stones and Xihe bathi…

补天柱地

bǔ tiān zhù dì

Literally meaning to mend the heavens and prop up the earth, this idiom is used as a metaphor for ex…

哺糟啜醨

bǔ zāo chuò lí

Literally meaning to eat the dregs of wine and sip thin wine to get drunk. It is a metaphor for comp…

餵糟啜漓

bǔ zāo chuò lí

Literally meaning to eat wine dregs and drink thin wine, seeking intoxication. It metaphorically ref…

创巨痛仍

chuàng jù tòng réng

The wounds are deep and the grief endures for a long time. It describes a person who has suffered pr…

传杯弄盏

chuán bēi nòng zhǎn

A vivid description of drinking and socializing at a banquet, where guests pass cups of wine to one …

传风扇火

chuán fēng shān huǒ

Literally meaning "spreading wind and fanning fire," this idiom is a metaphor for agitating and inci…

船坚炮利

chuán jiān pào lì

Literally 'sturdy ships and powerful cannons,' this idiom describes a formidable navy with superior …

传为笑柄

chuán wéi xiào bǐng

To become a laughingstock that is spread and talked about by others. It refers to a person or event …

捶床拍枕

chuí chuáng pāi zhěn

Describes tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep. The pounding of the bed and slapping of…

垂头搨翼

chuí tóu dá yì

To hang one's head and droop one's wings. It describes a person who is dispirited and dejected after…

椎心泣血

chuí xīn qì xuè

To beat one's chest and weep tears of blood. It describes extreme grief and sorrow so deep that one …

椎膺顿足

chuí yīng dùn zú

To pound one's chest and stamp one's feet in an uncontrollable display of grief, anguish, or deep re…

垂耳下首

chuí ěr xià shǒu

To let one's ears droop and lower one's head, describing a docile and submissive demeanor. It convey…

惙怛伤悴

chuò dá shāng cuì

Describes a state of profound sorrow and grief, where one is deeply distressed and worn down by angu…

辍毫栖牍

chuò háo qī dú

This idiom means to lay down one's writing brush and put away the wooden writing tablets, signifying…

绰约多姿

chuò yuē duō zī

Describing a woman whose movements and bearing are graceful and full of varied charm. It conveys a s…

绰有余裕

chuò yǒu yú yù

Describes someone who remains composed and unhurried even in demanding situations. It can also mean …

窗明几净

chuāng míng jī jìng

Describes a room that is clean, tidy, and bright. The character 几 refers to a small table or desk. I…

疮痍满目

chuāng yí mǎn mù

Literally meaning 'wounds and scars fill the eyes,' this idiom describes a scene where devastation i…

吹灯拔蜡

chuī dēng bá là

A metaphor for something collapsing, failing, or coming to a complete end. It can also refer to a pa…

吹垢索瘢

chuī gòu suǒ bān

This idiom means to nitpick and find fault with trivial matters. Literally, it describes blowing awa…

吹花嚼蕊

chuī huā jiáo ruǐ

Originally refers to playing wind instruments and singing in a refined, artistic manner. By extensio…

吹角连营

chuī jiǎo lián yíng

The sounding of horns throughout an entire military camp, signaling the order to attack. It evokes t…

吹毛利刃

chuī máo lì rèn

A blade so sharp that placing a hair on its edge and blowing gently will slice the hair clean throug…

吹毛求瑕

chuī máo qiú xiá

To blow apart fur to find blemishes on the skin beneath. It describes someone who deliberately nitpi…

吹毛索疵

chuī máo suǒ cī

Literally meaning to blow apart the hair on a hide to search for blemishes, this idiom describes som…

吹气如兰

chuī qì rú lán

Literally 'breath like an orchid,' this idiom describes a beautiful woman whose breath is as fragran…

炊沙镂冰

chuī shā lòu bīng

Cooking sand cannot produce rice, and carving ice cannot make a vessel. This idiom metaphorically de…

炊砂作饭

chuī shā zuò fàn

To cook sand in hopes of making a meal. This idiom describes an endeavor that is fundamentally impos…

吹弹得破

chuī tán dé pò

Literally meaning that a mere breath or light touch could break it. It describes skin—especially fac…

吹网欲满

chuī wǎng yù mǎn

Trying to fill a net by blowing air into it. A metaphor for attempting something fundamentally impos…

吹叶嚼蕊

chuī yè jiáo ruǐ

A classical Chinese idiom meaning to play music and sing. The imagery evokes a rustic, intimate form…

戳无路儿

chuō wú lù ér

To stir up trouble and make mischief by fabricating stories out of nothing. It refers to deliberatel…

戳心灌髓

chuō xīn guàn suǐ

Literally 'stabbing the heart and soaking into the marrow.' It describes speech or remarks that are …

揣时度力

chuǎi shí duó lì

To assess the current situation and gauge one's own capabilities. The idiom advises careful judgment…

闯荡江湖

chuǎng dàng jiāng hú

To travel widely across the country, making a living or seeking fortune away from home. It conveys t…

茶饭无心

chá fàn wú xīn

Having no heart for tea or food. It describes a state of deep distress or anxiety where one loses th…

察见渊鱼

chá jiàn yuān yú

Literally 'to see the fish in a deep pool,' this idiom describes someone who is excessively shrewd a…

察言观行

chá yán guān xíng

To assess a person by examining both what they say and what they do. It emphasizes that true charact…

茶余酒后

chá yú jiǔ hòu

Refers to leisure time after meals and drinking, when people relax and chat. It describes casual mom…

柴米夫妻

chái mǐ fū qī

A couple bound together by the basic necessities of life such as firewood and rice. It refers to a h…

柴天改物

chái tiān gǎi wù

Refers to the overthrow of a ruling dynasty and the establishment of a new one, i.e., a change of go…

常备不懈

cháng bèi bù xiè

To remain on constant alert and never let one's guard down. It describes a state of perpetual readin…

长材茂学

cháng cái mào xué

Refers to a person of outstanding talent and extensive scholarly learning. It describes someone who …

尝胆卧薪

cháng dǎn wò xīn

This idiom describes someone who sleeps on coarse firewood and tastes bitter gall to endure hardship…

长风破浪

cháng fēng pò làng

This idiom metaphorically describes someone with grand ambitions who fearlessly pushes forward throu…

苌弘碧血

cháng hóng bì xuě

Describes blood shed for a righteous cause. It originates from the story of Chang Hong, a Zhou dynas…

长虑却顾

cháng lǜ què gù

To think ahead and consider long-term consequences before taking action. It describes someone who pl…

昌亭之客

cháng tíng zhī kè

Originally referred to Han Xin, the Marquis of Huaiyin, who was a guest diner at the home of the pav…

长往远引

cháng wǎng yuǎn yǐn

To depart for a distant place and never return, cutting off all ties permanently. It describes a del…

长袖善舞

cháng xiù shàn wǔ

Long sleeves make it easier to dance gracefully. Originally meaning that with the right advantages o…

长吁短叹

cháng xū duǎn tàn

To keep sighing with long and short breaths continuously. It describes a distressed or worried look,…

徜徉恣肆

cháng yáng zì sì

This idiom describes writing that flows freely and boldly, with uninhibited power and grandeur. It p…

巢毁卵破

cháo huǐ luǎn pò

When the nest is destroyed, the eggs inside are inevitably shattered. It is a metaphor for how calam…

巢林一枝

cháo lín yī zhī

A wren builds its nest in the forest using only a single branch. The idiom is a metaphor for being c…

朝章国典

cháo zhāng guó diǎn

The institutional laws and statutory codes of the imperial court and the state. It refers to the est…

朝章国故

cháo zhāng guó gù

The formal institutions, regulations, and established precedents of the imperial court and the state…

掣襟露肘

chè jīn lù zhǒu

Literally, tugging at the front of one's garment exposes the elbow, describing clothes so worn and t…

趁波逐浪

chèn bō zhú làng

To drift with the waves and currents, meaning to go along with the crowd without one's own principle…

趁火抢劫

chèn huǒ qiǎng jié

To take advantage of someone's misfortune or distress to loot and profit at their expense. It descri…

趁势落篷

chèn shì luò péng

A metaphor for taking advantage of a favorable situation to stop or let go of an effort, much like a…

称心如意

chèn xīn rú yì

To have one's wishes fulfilled and feel completely satisfied. It describes a situation where things …

趁心如意

chèn xīn rú yì

This idiom means to have things turn out exactly as one wishes, bringing complete satisfaction. The …

趁虚而入

chèn xū ér rù

To take advantage of a moment of weakness or vulnerability to invade or intervene. It describes expl…

晨参暮省

chén cān mù shěng

To pay formal respects in the morning and inquire after someone's wellbeing in the evening, followin…

晨光熹微

chén guāng xī wēi

Describes the early dawn when the sky is just beginning to grow light but is still dim and hazy. The…

沉静寡言

chén jìng guǎ yán

Describes a person who is naturally calm, reserved, and speaks very little. It conveys a temperament…

沉默寡言

chén mò guǎ yán

Describes a person who is quiet and speaks very little. It characterizes a reserved, taciturn temper…

晨秦暮楚

chén qín mù chǔ

A metaphor for being fickle and changing one's allegiance or stance constantly. It describes someone…

沉声静气

chén shēng jìng qì

To speak in a low, steady voice with a calm and composed demeanor. The expression describes someone …

沉思熟虑

chén sī shú lǜ

To think deeply and consider carefully before acting. It describes a thorough, deliberate process of…

沉吟不语

chén yīn bù yǔ

To silently deliberate without speaking, indicating hesitation or indecision. It describes someone w…

沉重少言

chén zhòng shǎo yán

Describes a person who is steady, serious, and naturally reserved in speech. It conveys a sense of q…

沉著痛快

chén zhù tòng kuài

Describes calligraphy or writing that is at once vigorous and fluent — forceful yet smooth. It prais…

晨钟暮鼓

chén zhōng mù gǔ

Literally 'morning bell, evening drum,' this idiom refers to the Buddhist temple practice of strikin…

成佛作祖

chéng fó zuò zǔ

A Buddhist term originally meaning to attain Buddhahood and become a founding patriarch of a lineage…

乘龙快婿

chéng lóng kuài xù

A term for an ideal son-in-law who is both talented and handsome. Originally rooted in Daoist imager…

乘龙配凤

chéng lóng pèi fèng

This idiom metaphorically describes an ideal and well-matched marriage, comparing the couple to the …

成千成万

chéng qiān chéng wàn

This idiom describes an extremely large quantity or number of things. It conveys the sense of countl…

乘其不意

chéng qí bù yì

To act at a moment when the other party is off guard, exploiting a window when they have no time to …

成群集党

chéng qún jí dǎng

To form cliques and gather into factions. It refers to people with similar interests or agendas band…

成人之美

chéng rén zhī měi

To help others achieve their goals. To actively support another's success.

乘胜逐北

chéng shèng zhú běi

To take advantage of a victory to pursue and attack the fleeing, defeated enemy. It describes pressi…

澄思渺虑

chéng sī miǎo lǜ

To think with clarity and deliberate with far-reaching foresight. It describes a state of calm, comp…

乘险抵巇

chéng xiǎn dǐ xī

To seize upon dangers and exploit gaps; to take risks and seize opportunities in treacherous situati…

乘隙捣虚

chéng xì dǎo xū

To exploit an opening and strike at a vulnerable point. This idiom describes a tactical approach of …

诚心实意

chéng xīn shí yì

Describes a person whose feelings and intentions are completely sincere and heartfelt, with no trace…

乘舆播越

chéng yú bō yuè

The emperor's carriage is scattered abroad, meaning the emperor is forced to flee and wander in exil…

惩恶劝善

chéng è quàn shàn

To punish wrongdoing and encourage virtuous behavior. The idiom advocates penalizing the wicked whil…

赤口白舌

chì kǒu bái shé

To speak with vicious and hurtful language. The phrase uses 'red' and 'white' to describe harsh, poi…

赤口毒舌

chì kǒu dú shé

Literally 'red mouth and poisonous tongue,' describing someone whose words are vicious and hurtful. …

赤贫如洗

chì pín rú xǐ

To be utterly destitute, as if everything one owns has been washed away. It describes extreme povert…

赤舌烧城

chì shé shāo chéng

A red tongue like fire can burn down a city. This idiom describes how slanderous or divisive words c…

持刀动杖

chí dāo dòng zhàng

To take up swords and clubs, resorting to armed violence. It describes a situation where people figh…

驰风骋雨

chí fēng chěng yǔ

To ride the wind and drive the rain, moving with extraordinary speed and vigor. It describes someone…

弛高骛远

chí gāo wù yuǎn

This idiom criticizes the tendency to set unrealistic, overly ambitious goals that are beyond one's …

持衡拥璇

chí héng yōng xuán

A metaphor for holding the reins of state power and exercising supreme authority over national affai…

驰名天下

chí míng tiān xià

Describes a reputation that has spread far and wide, known throughout the land or the entire world. …

驰马试剑

chí mǎ shì jiàn

Riding a galloping horse while practicing swordplay. It describes a person who trains in martial art…

持权合变

chí quán hé biàn

To adapt one's approach through expedient measures in response to changed circumstances. It describe…

迟日旷久

chí rì kuàng jiǔ

A drawn-out affair that drags on for an extended period of time; equivalent to 旷日持久. It describes a …

池鱼之祸

chí yú zhī huò

A disaster that befalls someone due to being caught up in someone else's conflict or circumstances. …

臭名远扬

chòu míng yuǎn yáng

This idiom describes someone whose bad reputation has spread far and wide. It is used to characteriz…

重规累矩

chóng guī lèi jǔ

Literally meaning to repeat the compass and accumulate the square, this idiom refers to following th…

重规袭矩

chóng guī xí jǔ

Literally 'repeating the compass and inheriting the square,' this idiom describes things that confor…

重金袭汤

chóng jīn xí tāng

Describes a defense built of multiple layers of 'golden-walled cities and boiling-moat moats', i.e.,…

重山复水

chóng shān fù shuǐ

Refers to overlapping mountain ranges and twisting, winding waterways. It describes rugged, complex …

崇山峻岭

chóng shān jùn lǐng

Towering mountains and steep ridges. It describes majestic, rugged mountain terrain that is high and…

重山峻岭

chóng shān jùn lǐng

Continuous ranges of high, steep mountains stretching one after another. It describes a rugged lands…

重生父母

chóng shēng fù mǔ

Literally "parents who give one a second birth," this idiom refers to someone who has done a person …

重熙累绩

chóng xī lěi jì

Describes successive generations of enlightened and virtuous rulers who bring lasting peace and pros…

重振旗鼓

chóng zhèn qí gǔ

To rally one's forces and start over after a defeat or setback. It metaphorically refers to regroupi…

重足累息

chóng zú lèi xī

Describes a state of extreme fear where one dares not move or breathe freely. The image is of someon…

愁肠寸断

chóu cháng cùn duàn

Literally 'the sorrowful intestines are broken into inch-long pieces.' It describes being so overwhe…

愁肠九回

chóu cháng jiǔ huí

Describes grief and sorrow constantly churning within one's chest, hard to dispel or relieve. The 'n…

踌躇不决

chóu chú bù jué

To be irresolute and unable to make up one's mind. It describes a state of prolonged hesitation wher…

愁红惨绿

chóu hóng cǎn lü

Red and green here refer to flowers and leaves; the idiom depicts withered flowers and fallen leaves…

愁眉不展

chóu méi bù zhān

A worried expression with knitted brows that refuse to relax. It describes someone weighed down by a…

尨眉皓发

chóu méi hào fā

This idiom describes the appearance of an elderly person whose eyebrows are mixed black and white an…

愁云惨雾

chóu yún cǎn wù

Literally describing a scene of grief-laden clouds and gloomy fog, this idiom paints a picture of a …

触地号天

chù dì hào tiān

To strike the ground and cry out to heaven. It describes someone in extreme grief or anguish, wailin…

触类而通

chù lèi ér tōng

To grasp the principles or patterns of one thing and thereby deduce or understand similar things of …

触目崩心

chù mù bēng xīn

To be so deeply grieved by what one sees that the heart feels as if it is breaking apart. It describ…

触目皆是

chù mù jiē shì

Wherever one's eyes land, it is everywhere. It describes something so abundant and widespread that i…

触目恸心

chù mù tòng xīn

To be deeply grieved upon seeing something that stirs painful memories. The sight of a scene or obje…

除暴安良

chú bào ān liáng

To eradicate violence and tyranny while protecting and reassuring the good and innocent people. It d…

刍荛之言

chú ráo zhī yán

Literally 'words of grass-cutters and firewood-gatherers,' this idiom refers to the humble remarks o…

唇敝舌腐

chún bì shé fǔ

Describes a state of extreme exhaustion from talking excessively, to the point where one's lips are …

唇干口燥

chún gān kǒu zào

Describes the condition of having a dry mouth and chapped lips from talking too much. It conveys the…

莼羹鲈脍

chún gēng lú kuài

This idiom metaphorically expresses a deep yearning for one's hometown, inspired by nostalgia for na…

唇红齿白

chún hóng chǐ bái

Literally meaning 'red lips and white teeth,' this idiom describes someone with a fair and attractiv…

唇亡齿寒

chún wáng chǐ hán

When the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold. It is a metaphor for a relationship of close mutual dep…

纯一不杂

chún yī bù zá

Describes something that is purely uniform and singular in nature, without any admixture or impurity…

纯正无邪

chún zhèng wú xié

This idiom describes a person who is pure, sincere, and entirely free from any improper or evil thou…

钗荆裙布

chāi jīng qún bù

Using a thorn branch as a hairpin and coarse cloth for a skirt. It describes a woman's plain and sim…

昌歜羊枣

chāng chù yáng zǎo

Refers to things that a person particularly prefers or has a personal taste for. The phrase metaphor…

超度众生

chāo dù zhòng shēng

A Buddhist phrase meaning to use chanting and sutras to release the dead from the sea of suffering a…

超凡入圣

chāo fán rù shèng

To transcend ordinary human limitations and attain the realm of sages. It describes a level of schol…

超阶越次

chāo jiē yuè cì

To skip over established ranks and hierarchical order, especially in the context of promoting offici…

超群拔类

chāo qún bá lèi

To stand out from the crowd and rise above one's peers. It describes someone whose abilities or qual…

超群出众

chāo qún chū zhòng

To stand out far above the rest; to surpass ordinary people in ability, talent, or appearance. It de…

超然自逸

chāo rán zì yì

To rise above worldly affairs and find leisurely contentment in oneself. It describes a state of bei…

超然自引

chāo rán zì yǐn

To rise above worldly affairs and voluntarily withdraw from contention or office. It describes a per…

超世绝俗

chāo shì jué sú

This idiom describes someone or something that transcends the ordinary secular world and stands abov…

超以象外

chāo yǐ xiàng wài

To transcend the material appearance of things and reach a realm beyond physical form. Originally us…

车驰马骤

chē chí mǎ zhòu

Describes carriages and horses racing swiftly and forcefully. It is commonly used to depict troops, …

车填马隘

chē tián mǎ ài

Chariots fill the road and horses crowd the gates. It describes a scene where guests and visitors ar…

称德度功

chēng dé duó gōng

To evaluate a person by weighing both their moral character and their actual contributions. It captu…

称孤道寡

chēng gū dào guǎ

孤 and 寡 were humble self-referential terms used by ancient Chinese monarchs. The idiom means to decl…

瞠呼其后

chēng hū qí hòu

To be left far behind someone and stare helplessly, unable to catch up. It describes falling hopeles…

撑霆裂月

chēng tíng liè yuè

Describes an astonishing voice, spirit, or creative force so powerful it seems capable of propping u…

撑岸就船

chēng àn jiù chuán

A metaphor for reversing the proper relationship between primary and secondary things, doing somethi…

扯鼓夺旗

chě gǔ duó qí

Describes exceptional bravery and valor in combat. The imagery evokes a warrior who charges into the…

逞己失众

chěng jǐ shī zhòng

To give free rein to one's own impulses and thereby lose the support of others. It warns that acting…

骋耆奔欲

chěng qí bēn yù

To give free rein to one's appetites and recklessly pursue one's desires. It describes someone who a…

逞心如意

chěng xīn rú yì

This idiom means to have things turn out exactly as one wishes and to feel fully satisfied. It is a …

吃穿用度

chī chuān yòng dù

Refers to daily expenses for food, clothing, and everyday necessities. It encompasses all the costs …

痴心妄想

chī xīn wàng xiǎng

This idiom describes someone who is infatuated with unrealistic hopes or harbors absurd fantasies ab…

充箱盈架

chōng xiāng yíng jià

To fill bookcases and load up shelves. It describes an extraordinarily rich and extensive collection…

抽黄对白

chōu huáng duì bái

To use 'yellow' in parallel with 'white,' referring to the pursuit of neat antithetical couplets in …

出丑扬疾

chū chǒu yáng jí

To expose one's shameful or ugly deeds for all to see. It describes a situation where disgraceful co…

出鬼入神

chū guǐ rù shén

This idiom describes changes that are so wondrous, varied, and unpredictable that they seem to invol…

出乎意表

chū hū yì biǎo

Something that occurs beyond one's expectations or anticipation. It describes an outcome or event th…

出门合辙

chū mén hé zhé

Built to a common standard, a cart made behind closed doors will naturally fit the ruts once taken o…

出门如宾

chū mén rú bīn

When going out to handle affairs, one should be as careful and respectful as if receiving an honored…

出没不常

chū mò bù cháng

Appearing and disappearing without any regular pattern, making movements impossible to predict or tr…

出谋画策

chū móu huà cè

To devise strategies and plans for handling affairs. It commonly refers to offering ideas, suggestio…

出谋献策

chū móu xiàn cè

To offer ideas and propose strategies to help solve a problem. It describes someone actively contrib…

出纳之吝

chū nà zhī lìn

Reluctance to spend or give away what one has; being miserly in both outgoing and incoming matters. …

出奴入主

chū nú rù zhǔ

This idiom describes holding sectarian or factional prejudice. It refers to the tendency to revere t…

出奇不穷

chū qí bù qióng

To employ unexpected tactics and ingenious strategies endlessly. It describes someone whose methods …

出入将相

chū rù jiāng xiāng

This idiom means to go out as a military general and return as a civil prime minister. It describes …

出水芙蓉

chū shuǐ fú róng

Literally 'a lotus rising from the water.' It describes poetry or prose that is fresh, natural, and …

出山泉水

chū shān quán shuǐ

Spring water is clear when it stays in the mountains, but turns muddy once it flows out. This idiom …

出师无名

chū shī wú míng

This idiom means to launch a military campaign or undertake any major action without a legitimate re…

出死入生

chū sǐ rù shēng

To escape from death and return to life; also used in the sense of braving mortal danger, akin to th…

出头露面

chū tóu lù miàn

To appear in public or come forward to be noticed. It can carry a neutral sense of simply showing up…

初写黄庭

chū xiě huáng tíng

Originally referring to the first writing of the calligraphic masterpiece 'Huangting Jing,' which wa…

出语成章

chū yǔ chéng zhāng

Describes someone whose spoken words are as polished and well-structured as a written essay. It high…

春风和气

chūn fēng hé qì

A gentle spring breeze blowing over people. It is used metaphorically to describe someone who treats…

春风满面

chūn fēng mǎn miàn

Literally meaning 'spring wind fills the face,' this idiom describes a beaming, radiant expression o…

春露秋霜

chūn lù qiū shuāng

A metaphor for both grace and severity. 'Spring dew' symbolizes gentle benevolence and favor, while …

春深似海

chūn shēn sì hǎi

The beautiful scenery of spring is as vast and deep as the sea. It describes a place filled everywhe…

春蛙秋蝉

chūn wā qiū chán

This idiom compares empty, exaggerated talk to the noisy chorus of frogs in spring and cicadas in au…

春宵一刻

chūn xiāo yī kè

A precious, fleeting moment of joy and pleasure, especially on a beautiful spring night. The phrase …

春意阑珊

chūn yì lán shān

The signs of spring are waning; spring is coming to an end. It describes the scene in late spring wh…

谄词令色

chǎn cí lìng sè

Speaking fawning words and wearing an ingratiating expression to please someone, usually to curry fa…

谄上骄下

chǎn shàng jiāo xià

To fawn upon and flatter those in higher positions while treating those beneath oneself with arrogan…

谄上抑下

chǎn shàng yi xià

To flatter those above oneself while oppressing those below oneself. It describes a sycophantic and …

阐幽明微

chǎn yōu míng wēi

To bring to light what is obscure and subtle. It describes the act of revealing profound, hidden tru…

齿白唇红

chǐ bái chún hóng

White teeth and red lips. It describes a beautiful, attractive facial appearance, especially used to…

尺壁寸阴

chǐ bì cùn yīn

An inch of time is worth more than a foot of jade. The idiom emphasizes that time is extraordinarily…

尺椽片瓦

chǐ chuán piàn wǎ

Refers to the few remaining bricks, tiles, and wooden beams left after a building has been destroyed…

尺寸之功

chǐ cù zhī gōng

A trivial or negligible contribution. The phrase uses 'inch' and 'foot' as metaphors for smallness o…

尺幅千里

chǐ fú qiān lǐ

Literally, a painting just one foot across depicts scenery spanning a thousand miles. As a metaphor,…

尺蠖求伸

chǐ huò qiú shēn

The inchworm bends its body in order to extend forward. It metaphorically describes the strategy of …

齿落舌钝

chǐ luò shé dùn

Describes the physical decline of old age: teeth falling out and speech becoming slurred or unclear.…

侈人观听

chǐ rén guān tīng

To deliberately enhance or magnify people's visual and auditory impressions, typically through grand…

尺水丈波

chǐ shuǐ zhàng bō

This idiom means making a one-foot-deep stretch of water seem like towering waves — a metaphor for e…

齿亡舌存

chǐ wáng shé cún

The teeth fall out but the tongue endures. This metaphor illustrates that what is hard and rigid is …

齿危发秀

chǐ wēi fā xiù

An elegant classical description of advanced old age — teeth grown loose and hair turned silvery-whi…

尺瑜寸瑕

chǐ yú cùn xiá

A large piece of fine jade with a small blemish. It is a metaphor for a person of great talent who h…

耻与哙伍

chǐ yú kuài wǔ

To be ashamed to associate with someone considered vulgar or mediocre. It conveys disdain for keepin…

尺泽之鲵

chǐ zé zhī ní

Literally 'a small fish in a foot-wide puddle.' It describes a person of very limited experience and…

侈恩席宠

chǐ ēn xí chǒng

To parade the favors one has received and rely on being in someone's good graces. It describes someo…

宠辱皆忘

chǒng rǔ jiē wàng

To be indifferent to both favor and disgrace. It describes a transcendent, worldly-detached attitude…

楚材晋用

chǔ cái jìn yòng

Originally referring to talented people from the State of Chu being employed by the State of Jin. It…

楚才晋用

chǔ cái jìn yòng

A metaphor for the improper use of talent, where capable people are employed in roles that do not ma…

楚歌四起

chǔ gē sì qǐ

A metaphor for being completely surrounded by enemies on all sides, with no way out. It describes a …

础润而雨

chǔ rùn ér yǔ

When the stone base of a pillar becomes damp, rain is imminent. It is a metaphor for recognizing the…

楚腰蛴领

chǔ yāo qí lǐng

Describes a woman with a slender, supple waist like those prized in the ancient Chu state, and a nec…

翠围珠绕

cuì wéi zhū rào

Literally 'surrounded by jade and encircled by pearls.' It describes the luxurious, glittering adorn…

错节盘根

cuò jié pán gēn

Literally describing tree roots and branches that grow twisted and intertwined. It metaphorically re…

摧枯拉腐

cuī kū lā fǔ

Literally means breaking withered branches and pulling up rotten wood. It is a metaphor for accompli…

摧身碎首

cuī shēn suì shǒu

To shatter one's body and break one's head, expressing a willingness to sacrifice one's life entirel…

搓手顿脚

cuō shǒu dùn jiǎo

Describes an appearance of extreme anxiety and impatience. It depicts someone rubbing their hands to…

璀璨夺目

cuǐ càn duó mù

Describes something so brilliantly radiant and sparkling that it captivates and dazzles the eyes. It…

才蔽识浅

cái bì shí qiǎn

This idiom describes someone whose abilities are obstructed and whose knowledge is superficial and l…

才广妨身

cái guǎng fáng shēn

Having broad and abundant talent can sometimes backfire and harm oneself. It warns that being too ca…

才高气清

cái gāo qì qīng

Describes a person of outstanding ability and noble, uncorrupted temperament. It praises both intell…

才兼文武

cái jiān wén wǔ

Describes a person who possesses both civil (scholarly or administrative) and military talents. Such…

材能兼备

cái néng jiān bèi

It describes someone who possesses both talent (inborn aptitude) and competence (learned ability or …

才气过人

cái qì guò rén

This idiom describes a person whose talent and boldness of spirit surpass those of ordinary people. …

才疏学浅

cái shū xué qiǎn

This idiom describes someone whose abilities are limited and whose knowledge is shallow. It is most …

材疏志大

cái shū zhì dà

Describes a person whose grand ambitions far exceed their actual abilities. The phrase implies a mis…

才学兼优

cái xué jiān yōu

This idiom describes a person who possesses both outstanding talent and excellent scholarship. It pr…

残编裂简

cán biān liè jiǎn

Refers to ancient books or manuscripts that are incomplete, fragmentary, or damaged. It describes li…

蚕丛鸟道

cán cóng niǎo dào

An extremely treacherous and narrow mountain path, so difficult to traverse that it seems accessible…

残篇断简

cán piān duàn jiǎn

Refers to incomplete, fragmentary, or damaged books and texts. The image evokes ancient bamboo or wo…

藏头亢脑

cáng tóu kàng nǎo

This idiom describes someone who is evasive and deliberately vague, concealing things in an unclear …

恻怛之心

cè dá zhī xīn

This idiom describes having a heart of compassion and sympathy toward others in distress. It refers …

侧足而立

cè zú ér lì

Literally 'to stand with feet turned sideways.' It describes a posture of fear or awe, where one dar…

层出不穷

céng chū bù qióng

To emerge or appear one after another in an endless stream. It describes a continuous, inexhaustible…

层出迭见

céng chū dié jiàn

This idiom describes things appearing or occurring one after another in continuous succession. It co…

刺股悬梁

cì gǔ xuán liáng

This idiom describes someone who studies with extreme diligence and determination. It combines two s…

辞不获命

cí bù huò mìng

To decline a request or appointment but fail to obtain permission to be excused. It describes a situ…

辞简义赅

cí jiǎn yì gāi

Describes writing or speech that uses concise language yet conveys the full meaning without omission…

词穷理绝

cí qióng lǐ jué

To be completely at a loss for words and arguments, with no reasoning left to offer. It describes a …

词穷理极

cí qióng lǐ jí

To exhaust every possible argument and take one's reasoning to its ultimate conclusion. It describes…

词言义正

cí yán yì zhèng

This idiom describes speech that is stern in tone and righteous in reasoning. It characterizes words…

辞严义正

cí yán yì zhèng

The speech is stern and forceful while the reasoning is upright and just. It describes someone who a…

从风而靡

cóng fēng ér mí

Literally 'to collapse following the wind,' like grass bending before a gust. It describes the swift…

从谏如流

cóng jiàn rú liú

To accept advice and criticism as naturally as water flowing downstream. It describes someone, espec…

丛山峻岭

cóng shān jùn lǐng

Refers to countless tall and precipitous mountain ridges stretching over a vast area. It describes t…

从俗浮沉

cóng sú fú chén

To drift with the currents of society, rising and falling as circumstances change. It describes adap…

从俗就简

cóng sú jiù jiǎ

To follow customary practices and aim for simplicity in doing things. It describes adopting a straig…

从头彻尾

cóng tóu chè wěi

From beginning to end; thorough and complete. It describes doing or describing something in its enti…

寸长片善

cùn cháng piàn shàn

An idiom describing small or fragmentary merits and virtues a person may possess. '寸长' refers to a t…

寸蹄尺缣

cùn tí chǐ jiān

A metaphor for accepting small bribes. '蹄' (hoof) refers to animal meat given as a gift, while '缣' (…

寸土尺地

cùn tǔ chǐ dì

An inch of soil and a foot of ground. It describes an extremely small amount of territory or land. T…

擦拳抹掌

cā quán mò zhǎng

This idiom describes people rubbing their fists and wiping their palms, indicating a state of eager …

猜拳行令

cāi quán xíng lìng

Playing finger-guessing games and performing drinking games during a banquet. It describes a lively …

骖鸾驭鹤

cān luán yù hè

To ride upon mythical phoenix-like birds and divine cranes. It is a metaphor for attaining immortali…

参天贰地

cān tiān èr dì

The idiom derives from the I Ching (易经) principle of assigning numbers to heaven and earth, heaven b…

餐霞漱瀣

cān xiá shù xiè

This idiom describes the Daoist immortal practice of consuming the rosy glow of dawn and rinsing wit…

餐腥啄腐

cān xīng zhuó fǔ

A metaphor for greedily pursuing fame, profit, and official position. The idiom likens worldly gains…

仓皇出逃

cāng huáng chū táo

To flee in panic and confusion. It describes a situation where someone escapes hurriedly and frantic…

苍黄翻覆

cāng huáng fān fù

Literally referring to silk dyed cyan becoming cyan and dyed yellow becoming yellow, then flipping b…

仓皇无措

cāng huáng wú cuò

To be in a state of panic and confusion, at a complete loss for what to do. It describes someone so …

沧海一鳞

cāng hǎi yī lín

A single fish scale floating in the vast ocean. It serves as a metaphor for something extremely insi…

操戈同室

cāo gē tóon shì

Literally 'taking up weapons within the same room,' this idiom refers to internal strife or fratrici…

操奇逐赢

cāo qì zhù yíng

Refers to merchants hoarding rare goods to drive up prices and reap excessive profit. It describes p…

操奇计赢

cāo qí jì yíng

To stockpile scarce commodities and calculate the maximum profit from them. It describes merchants w…

操之过激

cāo zhī guò jī

Refers to handling matters in an overly extreme or harsh manner. It describes situations where someo…

操纵自如

cāo zòng zì rú

To operate or control something with complete ease and proficiency, as if it were second nature. It …

骖风驷霞

cēn fēng sì xiá

Literally meaning to harness the wind as one's carriage and drive the rosy clouds as one's steeds, t…

粗通文墨

cū tōng wén mò

To have only a slight or superficial knowledge of writing and literature; to be barely literate. It …

粗衣淡饭

cū yī dàn fàn

This idiom describes a lifestyle of wearing simple, coarse clothing and eating plain, unadorned food…

粗制滥造

cū zhì làn zào

Describes writing or work done hastily and carelessly, with quantity prioritized over quality. It im…

粗枝大叶

cū zhī dà yè

Literally meaning 'thick branches and large leaves,' this idiom originates from painting, where tree…

村夫野老

cūn fū yě lǎo

A classical term for ordinary farmers and elderly villagers living in the countryside. It evokes rus…

村歌社舞

cūn gē shè wǔ

A phrase referring to traditional folk songs and dances performed in rural villages. It captures the…

村生泊长

cūn shēng bó cháng

Refers to being born and raised in the countryside or wilderness, where '泊' denotes a lake or marsh …

彩笔生花

cǎi bǐ shēng huā

Describes a sudden flourishing of literary or artistic talent, as if one's writing brush has magical…

采椽不斫

cǎi chuán bù zhuó

It refers to using rough, uncarved wooden rafters when building a house, symbolizing an extremely fr…

采凤随鸦

cǎi fèng suí yā

A metaphor for a woman of outstanding beauty and talent who marries a man vastly inferior to her. Th…

采兰赠芍

cǎi lán zèng sháo

This idiom describes men and women exchanging gifts as tokens of mutual affection and love. It origi…

惨然不乐

cǎn rán bù lè

Describes someone wearing a pained, woebegone expression on their face. It conveys a person who look…

草腹菜肠

cǎo fù cài cháng

A metaphor for being utterly devoid of learning or talent. Literally describing a stomach filled wit…

草庐三顾

cǎo lú sān gù

Refers to Liu Bei's three visits to Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage to recruit him as advisor. It met…

草靡风行

cǎo mí fēng xíng

A metaphor for the civilizing influence of moral virtue and education, whereby people are naturally …

草木皆兵

cǎo mù jiē bīng

Literally 'every bush and tree looks like an enemy soldier.' It describes a state of extreme panic i…

草木俱朽

cǎo mù jù xiǔ

To perish like grass and trees, unnoticed by the world. It is a metaphor for a person who lives an e…

草率从事

cǎo shuài cóng shì

To handle matters in a careless, hasty, or perfunctory manner without due diligence. It describes do…

草偃风行

cǎo yǎn fēng xíng

Literally 'the grass bends as the wind passes.' It metaphorically describes how moral virtue and cul…

此唱彼和

cǐ chàng bǐ hè

Literally meaning 'one sings here, the other responds there,' this idiom describes mutual echoing or…

当务始终

dang wu shi zhong

One should diligently pursue things with consistency from start to finish. It stresses the moral dut…

钉头磷磷

ding tou lin lin

A descriptive phrase depicting the nail heads on a building gleaming brilliantly, one after another.…

丢三拉四

diu sān lā sì

Describes someone who is careless and forgetful, always losing one thing or forgetting another. It c…

丢魂丧胆

diu1 hún sàng dǎn

This idiom describes a state of extreme fright and panic. It conveys the image of someone so terrifi…

电照风行

diàn zhào fēng xíng

Like lightning illuminating and wind spreading rapidly. It describes something that has a far-reachi…

吊尔郎当

diào er láng dāng

Describes a person who is sloppy, undisciplined, and lacks seriousness in their manner or approach t…

吊古伤今

diào gǔ shāng jīn

To visit or reflect upon historical sites and events and feel melancholy about the present situation…

吊死扶伤

diào sǐ fú shāng

To mourn the dead and care for the wounded. This idiom describes the compassionate practice of payin…

调弦品竹

diào xián pǐn zhú

This idiom refers to playing musical instruments, specifically tuning string instruments and playing…

钓游之地

diào yóu zhī dì

A place where one fished and played as a child, typically referring to one's hometown or the place w…

叠床架屋

dié chuáng jià wū

Literally placing a bed on top of a bed and building a roof under a roof. It describes redundant, re…

迭床架屋

dié chuáng jià wū

Literally 'piling beds on beds and building houses on houses.' It is a metaphor for needless repetit…

叠矩重规

dié jǔ chóng guī

Originally described movements and stillness perfectly conforming to proper standards, like identica…

颠来倒去

diān lái dǎo qù

To turn something over and back repeatedly, doing the same thing over and over again. It describes r…

颠三倒四

diān sān dǎo sì

The numbers three and four represent disorder and confusion. The idiom describes speech or actions t…

雕虫小巧

diāo chóng xiǎo qiǎo

A trivial or insignificant skill; petty cleverness not worth serious pursuit. It is a variant of the…

雕虫小艺

diāo chóng xiǎo yì

A trivial or insignificant skill, likened to the ancient craft of carving intricate insect-like patt…

鉥肝刿肾

diāo gān guì shèn

This idiom metaphorically describes exhausting one's mental faculties and putting in painstaking eff…

雕肝镂肾

diāo gān lòu shèn

A metaphor for painstakingly polishing and refining one's writing. It describes a writer who puts ex…

貂狗相属

diāo gǒu xiāng shǔ

Refers to genuine and fake, or superior and inferior, things being mixed together. The image evokes …

雕梁画栋

diāo liáng huà dòng

Literally 'carved beams and painted pillars,' this idiom refers to buildings ornately decorated with…

貂裘换酒

diāo qiú huàn jiǔ

To trade a precious sable fur coat for a drink of wine. It describes a wealthy or noble person livin…

雕章缛彩

diāo zhāng rù cǎi

This idiom describes writing that is ornately embellished with brilliant literary flourish, like car…

跌弹斑鸠

diē dàn bān jiū

A spotted turtledove that has been hit by a shot and falls to the ground. It is used metaphorically …

跌荡风流

diē dàng fēng liú

Free-spirited and unrestrained yet endowed with talent and charm. It describes a person whose bearin…

点睛之笔

diǎn jīng zhī bǐ

The brushstroke that dots the eyes — the finishing touch that brings a work of art or writing to lif…

点水不漏

diǎn shuǐ bù lòu

Describes something that is so thorough, tight, and rigorous that not even a drop of water could sli…

点石为金

diǎn shí wéi jīn

A legendary Daoist magic of turning stone into gold with a touch of the finger. Metaphorically, it d…

点头哈腰

diǎn tóu hā yāo

This idiom literally describes someone repeatedly nodding and bending at the waist in excessive bowi…

典则俊雅

diǎn zé jùn yǎ

Describes a person whose bearing is dignified, graceful, and exquisitely refined. It conveys a class…

断鹤继凫

duan he xu fu

Literally cutting the long legs of a crane to lengthen the short legs of a wild duck. It is a metaph…

断壁残璋

duàn bì cán zhāng

Broken and incomplete bi and zhang jade pieces. Metaphorically describes something that, though dama…

断长续短

duàn chāng xù duǎn

To cut off a portion from what is long and use it to extend what is short. It is used as a metaphor …

断梗飞蓬

duàn gěng fēi péng

Describes a person who drifts from place to place without a settled home, much like a broken twig ca…

断无此理

duàn wú cǐ lǐ

To absolutely have no such reasoning; something is completely impossible or utterly unreasonable. Th…

断雁孤鸿

duàn yàn gū hóng

Literally a wild goose cut off from its flock and flying alone. It metaphorically describes someone …

断羽绝鳞

duàn yǔ jué lín

This idiom means to have all correspondence completely cut off, with no letters or news arriving. Th…

断章取意

duàn zhāng qǔ yì

To isolate a single passage or phrase from an article or conversation, ignoring the content as a who…

对牛弹琴

duì niú tán qín

To waste one's words or efforts on someone who cannot understand or appreciate them. Talking over so…

对症下药

duì zhèng xià yào

Literally meaning to prescribe medicine according to the diagnosis of the illness, this idiom is use…

夺门而出

duó mén ér chū

To forcefully push open a door and rush out. It describes someone acting in a sudden, urgent, and im…

多端寡要

duō duān guǎi yào

Having too many threads or leads but few essential points. It describes a situation or person that g…

咄咄怪事

duō duō guài shì

An exclamation of astonishment at something absurd or contrary to reason. It describes bizarre, inco…

多管闲事

duō guǎn xián shì

To interfere in other people's business when it is not one's own concern. It describes unnecessary m…

多见广识

duō jiàn guǎng shí

Having seen much and possessing broad knowledge. It describes a person who is well-experienced and w…

多歧亡羊

duō qí wáng yáng

With too many diverging paths, the lost sheep cannot be recovered. It metaphorically means that when…

多情多义

duō qíng duō yì

This idiom describes a person who is deeply affectionate and values loyalty in relationships. It emp…

多收并畜

duō shōu bìng chù

To collect and store everything indiscriminately, without selection or distinction. It describes gat…

多言数穷

duō yán shuò qióng

Speaking too much will inevitably lead to mistakes and leaving oneself cornered. It is better to rem…

多鱼之漏

duō yú zhī lòu

Refers to the leaking of military secrets. The idiom derives from a historical incident in which con…

短兵接战

duǎn bīng jiē zhàn

Literally referring to fighting at close quarters with short weapons such as swords and daggers. It …

短绠汲深

duǎn gěng jí shēn

Literally meaning a short well-rope cannot draw water from a deep well. It metaphorically describes …

短垣自逾

duǎn yuán zì yú

Literally meaning to climb over one's own short wall. It metaphorically refers to a person who perso…

大本大宗

dà běn dà zōng

This idiom refers to the most fundamental and essential thing or principle. 本 (běn) means root or fo…

大笔如椽

dà bǐ rú chuán

Describes a writing brush as large as a roof rafter, used metaphorically to praise exceptional liter…

大吹大打

dà chuī dà dǎ

Refers to playing wind and percussion instruments together in full swing, creating a grand musical p…

大处落墨

dà chù luò mò

Literally meaning to apply ink at the major points. Originally referring to the practice in painting…

大处着眼

dà chù zhuó yǎn

To look at things from a broad, big-picture perspective and grasp the main issues rather than gettin…

大车以载

dà chē yǐ zài

A large, sturdy cart is capable of bearing heavy loads. Metaphorically, it describes a person of gre…

大错特错

dà cuò tè cuò

To be completely and utterly wrong; a grave mistake of the highest degree. The phrase emphasizes tha…

大才榱盘

dà cái cuī pán

This idiom refers to a person of great talent and outstanding ability. It is a variant form of the m…

大才榱槃

dà cái cuī pán

This idiom refers to a person possessing outstanding talent and extraordinary ability. It is a varia…

大才槃槃

dà cái pán pán

槃槃 describes something grand and imposing in appearance. This idiom refers to a person who possesses…

大慈大悲

dà cí dà bēi

A Buddhist term denoting boundless loving-kindness and mercy. 'Ci' (慈) means giving joy and happines…

大地春回

dà dì chūn huí

Winter departs and spring returns to the land, vegetation sprouts, and the earth fills with vitality…

大刀阔斧

dà dāo kuò fǔ

Originally described wielding a large broad-axe to hack at enemies in battle. It is now used metapho…

大放厥辞

dà fàng jué cí

Originally described writing a large amount of beautiful, elegant literary compositions. The phrase …

大发慈悲

dà fā cí bēi

This idiom means to show great compassion and kindness toward others. It describes someone acting ou…

大风大浪

dà fēng dà làng

Literally meaning "great wind and great waves," this idiom refers to enormous storms at sea, used me…

大获全胜

dà huò quán shèng

To win a complete and total victory. It describes a situation where one side achieves full success w…

大红大紫

dà hóng dà zǐ

This idiom describes someone who is extremely prominent, successful, and flourishing in their career…

大计小用

dà jì xiǎo yòng

A grand strategy or elaborate plan that ends up being applied only to a trivial matter, failing to r…

大块朵颐

dà kuài duǒ yí

To eat heartily and enjoy food with great gusto, taking large bites and chewing vigorously. It descr…

大快人心

dà kuài rén xīn

It describes a situation where bad people or bad deeds are punished or suppressed, bringing great sa…

大开眼界

dà kāi yǎn jiè

To greatly broaden one's horizons and increase one's knowledge. It describes the experience of seein…

大路椎轮

dà lù zhuī lún

A grand ceremonial carriage evolves from a crude wheel hammered out of wood. This idiom likens the e…

大谬不然

dà miù bù rán

Completely mistaken and not at all the case. It describes a situation where someone's assumption or …

大马金刀

dà mǎ jīn dāo

This idiom describes someone who carries themselves with a bold, imposing, and majestic bearing, as …

大器晚成

dà qì wǎn chéng

A great vessel takes a long time to complete. It describes a person of outstanding talent who achiev…

大人虎变

dà rén hǔ biàn

Like a tiger whose stripes change in splendor, it describes a person of high position whose actions …

大厦将颠

dà shà jiāng diān

A metaphor describing a dire situation that is on the verge of total collapse. It conveys the sense …

大是大非

dà shì dà fēi

This idiom refers to major questions of right and wrong that involve fundamental principles. It desc…

大势所趋

dà shì suǒ qū

The overall trend of events — the direction in which the entire situation is inevitably developing. …

大煞风景

dà shā fēng jǐng

To spoil or damage a beautiful scene or setting. By extension, to ruin someone's mood, enjoyment, or…

大失人望

dà shī rén wàng

To severely lose the trust and confidence of the people, causing one's prestige to plummet. It descr…

大肆宣传

dà sì xuān chuán

To engage in large-scale, unrestrained propaganda or publicity. It describes vigorously promoting so…

大庭广众

dà tíng guǎng zhòng

Refers to a spacious public place with a large gathering of people. It describes an open, crowded se…

大同小异

dà tóng xiǎo yì

This idiom means that things are largely the same with only minor differences. It is used to describ…

大雅之堂

dà yǎ zhī táng

A hall of great elegance, used metaphorically for high standards or a realm of refinement and perfec…

大有可观

dà yǒu kě guān

Something that is very much worth seeing or worth paying attention to. It describes matters, achieve…

大有作为

dà yǒu zuò wéi

To be able to accomplish great things and make significant contributions. It describes a person with…

怠惰因循

dài duò yīn xún

Describes being both lazy and habitually procrastinating, putting things off through slothfulness. I…

戴发含牙

dài fā hán yá

Having hair and teeth — that is, being a human being. The idiom is used to emphasize that a person, …

待时守分

dài shí shǒu fèn

To wait for the right opportunity while staying in one's proper place. It describes the attitude of …

代越庖俎

dài yuè páo zǔ

This idiom means exceeding one's proper bounds and taking over another person's duties. It derives f…

待月西厢

dài yuè xī xiāng

Refers to lovers secretly arranging a rendezvous or tryst. It evokes a scene of a clandestine moonli…

待字闺中

dài zì guī zhōng

It refers to a young woman of marriageable age still living in the women's quarters, awaiting betrot…

澹泊寡欲

dàn bó guǎ yù

This idiom describes a state of mind that is serene and content, free from the pursuit of fame and w…

淡饭黄齑

dàn fàn huáng jī

A phrase referring to very coarse and poor food. It uses bland rice and yellow pickled vegetable pas…

淡然置之

dàn rán zhì zhī

To set something aside with complete indifference or cold detachment. It describes an attitude of no…

儋石之储

dàn shí zhī chǔ

A mere trifle of savings or wealth. 'Dan' (儋) was a unit equal to what one man could carry on a shou…

淡写轻描

dàn xiě qīng miáo

An idiom describing a delicate, gentle, and detailed style of writing or depiction. It originally re…

弹雨枪林

dàn yǔ qiāng lín

Bullets fall like rain and guns stand thick as a forest. It describes an intensely fierce battle wit…

淡妆浓抹

dàn zhuāng nóng mǒ

Refers to two contrasting styles of adornment—light, elegant makeup and rich, heavy makeup. The idio…

旦种暮成

dàn zhòng mù chéng

A metaphor for achieving results with extraordinary speed. It describes a situation where efforts yi…

荡然无存

dàng rán wú cún

Describes something that has completely vanished or been wiped out, with not a single trace left beh…

道不举遗

dào bù jǔ yí

No one picks up lost items left on the road. It describes a society with excellent moral conduct and…

倒裳索领

dào cháng suǒ lǐng

Literally, turning a garment upside down to look for its collar. It is a metaphor for handling affai…

道高德重

dào gāo dé zhòng

Possessing noble moral character and commanding great respect and prestige. It describes a person wh…

道合志同

dào hé zhì tóng

Having the same ideals, principles, and ambitions as another person. It describes a deep mutual unde…

道尽涂穷

dào jìn tú qióng

Refers to having no road left to travel and being trapped in a hopeless situation. It describes reac…

道尽途穷

dào jìn tú qióng

To have reached the end of the road with no way forward. It describes a situation where one has exha…

盗铃掩耳

dào líng yǎn ěr

A metaphor for self-deception. It describes someone who fools themselves into believing that if they…

道路以目

dào lù yǐ mù

On the road, people dare not speak but only exchange meaningful glances. It describes the atmosphere…

道貌凛然

dào mào lǐn rán

Looking solemn and stern on the outside, appearing deeply serious and proper. It describes someone w…

道傍苦李

dào páng kǔ lǐ

A metaphor for a mediocre or useless talent. It compares an untalented person to a bitter plum tree …

盗食致饱

dào shí zhì bǎo

A metaphor for obtaining benefits through improper or dishonest means. Just as eating stolen food br…

道听涂说

dào tīng tú shuō

To hear something on the road and spread it along the road; it refers to passing along unverified ru…

倒行逆施

dào xíng nì shī

Originally meant acting against common sense and resorting to any means necessary. It now mostly ref…

道义之交

dào yì zhī jiāo

A friendship grounded in morality and righteousness. It refers to a relationship where friends suppo…

盗憎主人

dào zēng zhǔ rén

A thief resents the very owner of the property he steals from. This idiom is a metaphor for wicked p…

达官显宦

dá guān xiǎn huàn

A classical Chinese idiom referring to high-ranking, powerful, and prestigious government officials …

达人知命

dá rén zhī mìng

A wise and open-minded person understands and accepts the decrees of fate. It describes someone who …

达士通人

dá shì tōng rén

A person who is both magnanimous in spirit and profoundly learned, able to connect knowledge across …

得不偿失

dé bù cháng shī

The gains do not compensate for the losses; what one gains is not worth what one loses. It describes…

德才兼备

dé cái jiān bèi

Having both moral character and practical ability. It describes a person who possesses both good eth…

德配天地

dé pèi tiān dì

Describes a person whose virtue is so vast that it rivals heaven and earth. It is the highest possib…

得兔忘蹄

dé tù wàng tí

This idiom means to forget the tool or means once the goal has been achieved, just as one forgets th…

得婿如龙

dé xù rú lóng

To obtain a son-in-law as outstanding as a dragon. The idiom describes getting an ideal, praiseworth…

德言工容

dé yán gōng róng

The four traditional virtues expected of women in feudal Chinese society: moral character, proper sp…

得鱼忘荃

dé yú wàng quán

A metaphor for forgetting or discarding the means once the goal has been achieved. The character 荃 (…

登木求鱼

déng mù qiú yú

To climb a tree in search of fish. It describes using a fundamentally wrong approach or direction to…

地北天南

dì běi tiān nán

This idiom means everywhere, all over the place, or far and wide. It describes covering vast distanc…

地丑力敌

dì chǒu lì dí

Describes a situation where two rival states or factions possess roughly equal territory and compara…

地广人希

dì guǎng rén xī

This idiom describes a region with a large territory but a very sparse population. It is a variant o…

地广人稀

dì guǎng rén xī

Describes a place where the land area is large but the population is very small. It conveys a sense …

地角天涯

dì jiǎo tiān yá

Describes places that are extremely remote and inaccessible, or the vast distance separating two peo…

地灵人杰

dì líng rén jié

This idiom means that a place becomes famous and spiritually significant because outstanding or dist…

地老天昏

dì lǎo tiān hūn

Describes dramatic and violent changes in circumstances. The imagery evokes the earth growing old an…

地下修文

dì xià xiū wén

Originally referred to a talented literary man dying young, implying he continues to compose writing…

铤鹿走险

dìng lù zǒu xiǎn

This idion likens a cornered deer rushing headlong into peril to a person who, left with no way out,…

涤秽荡瑕

dí huì dàng xiá

To cleanse away corruption and eliminate old vices or bad habits. It describes thoroughly purging ev…

动荡不定

dòng dàng bù dìng

Describes a situation that is unstable, unsettled, and not peaceful. It is commonly used to characte…

动荡不安

dòng dàng bù ān

Describes a situation that is unstable, turbulent, and far from calm. It refers to times of upheaval…

冻解冰释

dòng jiě bīng shì

Like frost melting and ice dissolving. A metaphor for difficulties, obstacles, or doubts being compl…

动如脱兔

dòng rú tuō tù

Describes someone who moves with lightning speed and agility, like a rabbit darting away from a pred…

洞幽烛微

dòng yōu zhú wēi

To see through what is obscure and illuminate the minutest details. It describes a sharp, penetratin…

洞烛其奸

dòng zhú qí jiān

To see through someone's deceitful schemes with penetrating clarity. It describes a person who is ke…

动之以情

dòng zhī yǐ qíng

To move or touch someone by appealing to their emotions rather than reason or force. It describes pe…

洞中肯綮

dòng zhōng kěn qìng

Describes keen observation and remarks that precisely pinpoint the crux of a matter. It conveys the …

豆重榆瞑

dòu chóng yú míng

Originally refers to the observation that eating soybeans causes weight gain and consuming elm induc…

豆蔻年华

dòu kòu nián huá

This idiom uses the cardamom plant as a metaphor for the budding beauty of a young girl. It specific…

斗霜傲雪

dòu shuāng ào xuě

To fight against frost and brave the snow. It describes someone who dares to struggle in harsh condi…

斗水活鳞

dòu shuǐ huó lín

A metaphor for receiving meager assistance that resolves an immediate, pressing crisis. It describes…

斗艳争芳

dòu yàn zhēng fāng

To compete in showing off beauty and fragrance. It describes flowers or women vying with one another…

蠹国害民

dù guó hài mín

This idiom means to ruin the state and injure the common people. It is used to criticize corrupt off…

杜口裹足

dù kǒu guǒ zú

To shut one's mouth and stop in one's tracks. It describes someone who, out of fear or concern, dare…

杜口无言

dù kǒu wú yán

To shut one's mouth and say nothing. It describes someone who remains completely silent, often out o…

肚里蛔虫

dù lǐ huí chóng

A metaphor for someone who knows another person's thoughts and intentions as clearly as if they were…

杜门晦迹

dù mén huì jì

To shut one's doors and conceal one's whereabouts. It refers to living in seclusion and avoiding pub…

杜门自绝

dù mén zì jué

To close one's door and cut oneself off from the outside world. It describes a person who deliberate…

度外之人

dù wài zhī rén

A person who falls outside one's considerations or calculations. It refers to someone who has no rel…

妒贤疾能

dù xián jí néng

To resent and be jealous of people whose virtue and abilities surpass one's own. It describes a pett…

蠹众木折

dù zhòng mù zhé

When woodboring insects multiply, the infested timber will eventually snap. It is a metaphor showing…

遁迹桑门

dùn jì sāng mén

To withdraw from the secular world and become a Buddhist monk. 桑门 (sāng mén) is an older variant tra…

遁世长往

dùn shì cháng wǎng

To withdraw from society and live in seclusion permanently, never returning to public life. It descr…

遁世绝俗

dùn shì jué sú

To live in seclusion and cut off all contact with the mundane world. It describes someone who withdr…

遁世隐居

dùn shì yǐn jū

To withdraw from society and live in seclusion, avoiding public office and worldly affairs. It descr…

遁天倍情

dùn tiān bèi qíng

This idiom refers to acting against one's natural disposition while indulging in worldly sentiments.…

遁天之刑

dùn tiān zhī xíng

Refers to the punishment incurred by acting against the natural order or laws of heaven. It describe…

顿足捶胸

dùn zú chuí xiōng

To stamp one's feet and beat one's chest. It describes a state of extreme grief, anguish, or fury, e…

独霸一方

dú bà yī fāng

To monopolize and control a particular area or region, typically referring to a powerful figure or t…

独步一时

dú bù yī shí

Describes someone or something extraordinarily outstanding, with no equal during a particular period…

独出新裁

dú chū xīn cái

To devise an idea or method that is distinctively original and unlike what others do. It describes c…

独断独行

dú duàn dú xíng

To make decisions and act entirely on one's own, without consulting or considering others' opinions.…

毒赋剩敛

dú fù shèng liǎn

It refers to the tyrannical and oppressive imposition of heavy taxes and levies on the common people…

独夫民贼

dú fū mín zéi

A tyrannical ruler who has lost all popular support and commits grave crimes against the nation and …

独具匠心

dú jù jiàng xīn

To have a uniquely ingenious and creative mind. It describes showing originality and distinctive cre…

独具只眼

dú jù zhī yǎn

To possess a uniquely sharp perspective and insight. It describes someone whose vision is keen, able…

毒泷恶雾

dú lóng è wù

Literally refers to noxious, foul mists, rains, and vapors. Metaphorically, it describes cruel, tyra…

独善吾身

dú shàn wú shēn

To look after only oneself and pay no heed to others, identical in sense to 独善其身. It describes a sel…

读书得间

dú shū dé jiàn

Literally 'to obtain the gaps while reading.' It describes finding the knack or hidden insights betw…

读书三余

dú shū sān yú

The idiom refers to the three kinds of spare time one should seize for reading: winter (the spare se…

独占鳌头

dú zhàn áo tóu

To come in first place or take the top spot in a competition or field. The idiom originates from the…

呆里撒奸

dāi lǐ sā jiān

Describes someone who appears slow-witted or simple on the outside while secretly harboring cunning …

呆似木鸡

dāi sì mù jī

To be stunned as though one were a wooden chicken. It describes a person who is frozen in shock, fea…

殚诚毕虑

dān chéng bì lǜ

To devote oneself with complete sincerity and exhaust all one's thought and consideration. It descri…

殚精竭虑

dān jīng jié lǜ

To exhaust one's energy and thoughts on something. It describes putting in the utmost mental effort …

箪瓢屡空

dān piáo lǚ kōng

A bamboo rice basket and a gourd water dipper are frequently empty, leaving one without food or drin…

箪食壶浆

dān sì hú jiāng

The common people bring food in baskets and drink in pitchers to welcome an army they love and suppo…

丹心如故

dān xīn rú gù

丹心 means a loyal heart, and 如故 means 'as before.' This idiom describes someone whose loyalty and dev…

丹楹刻桷

dān yíng kè jué

Literally 'red pillars and carved rafters.' It describes buildings that are exquisitely crafted and …

当场出彩

dāng chǎng chū cǎi

In traditional Chinese opera, 'chū cǎi' referred to the technique of smearing red liquid on stage to…

当风秉烛

dāng fēng bǐng zhú

To hold a candle while standing in the wind. It is a metaphor for being in a perilous or precarious …

当行出色

dāng háng chū sè

To perform with exceptional distinction within one's own profession or field of expertise. It descri…

当局者迷

dāng jú zhě mí

This idiom means that a person directly involved in a situation is often unable to see it clearly, w…

当仁不让

dāng rén bù ràng

Originally meaning to take benevolence as one's duty without deferring to anyone. It now means to ac…

刀过竹解

dāo guò zhú jiě

When a knife strikes, the bamboo immediately splits apart. It describes matters that proceed smoothl…

刀光剑影

dāo guāng jiàn yǐng

It refers to the glint and shadow of swords and blades faintly visible. It describes an atmosphere f…

刀耕火种

dāo gēng huǒ zhòng

刀耕火种 (dāo gēng huǒ zhòng) refers to a primitive slash-and-burn farming method in which people cut do…

刀头燕尾

dāo tóu yàn wěi

A metaphor for vigorous and sharp brushstrokes in calligraphy. It likens the cutting force of a knif…

登高履危

dēng gāo lǚ wēi

Literally meaning to climb to a great height and tread upon dangerous ground, this idiom is a metaph…

登高去梯

dēng gāo qù tī

After climbing to a high place, remove the ladder behind you. It signifies that all retreat has been…

灯尽油干

dēng jìn yóu gàn

The lamp has gone out and the oil has dried up. It is a metaphor for a person's energy, resources, o…

登山涉水

dēng shān shè shuǐ

To climb mountains and wade across rivers. It is a metaphor for enduring the hardships and difficult…

登山越岭

dēng shān yuè lǐng

To climb mountains and cross over ridges. It describes the hardship and toil of undertaking a long a…

登堂入室

dēng táng rù shì

Originally referring to ascending the hall and entering the inner chamber of an ancient Chinese hous…

等价连城

děng jià lián chéng

Equally valuable as something worth multiple connected cities. It describes things that are equally …

滴露研珠

dī lù yán zhū

An elegant classical expression describing the act of grinding ink with dewdrops to produce pearl-li…

滴水成冰

dī shuǐ chéng bīng

Water drops freeze into ice as soon as they fall. It describes extremely cold weather, so frigid tha…

丁公凿井

dīng gōng záo jǐng

A metaphor for information becoming distorted as it is passed from person to person. It describes ho…

丁一确二

dīng yī què èr

This idiom means clear, definite, and unmistakable. It describes something stated with absolute clar…

东壁余光

dōng bì yú guāng

The idiom refers to light spilling through from a neighbor's eastern wall, symbolizing a benefit or …

东奔西走

dōng bēn xī zǒu

To rush about in all directions, running east and west. It describes someone constantly on the move,…

东床择对

dōng chuáng zé duì

Refers to choosing a son-in-law. The phrase alludes to the story of the calligrapher Wang Xizhi bein…

东穿西撞

dōng chuān xī zhuàng

Describes moving about aimlessly without a fixed destination, rushing and bumping in all directions.…

东荡西除

dōng dàng xī chú

To sweep east and eradicate west — to campaign and subdue enemies in all directions. It describes a …

东扶西倒

dōng fú xī dǎo

Describes a situation where one props up one side only to have the other side collapse. It metaphori…

东观续史

dōng guān xù shǐ

Originally referred to Ban Zhao, a female historian of the Han dynasty, who was ordered by Emperor H…

东观西望

dōng guāng xī wàng

To look east and gaze west, meaning to glance around in all directions. It describes someone anxious…

东郭先生

dōng guō xiān shēng

Refers to a foolishly naive person who shows misplaced mercy to evil people. Named after Mr. Dongguo…

东滚西爬

dōng gǔn xī pá

Describes the wretched and chaotic manner of fleeing in defeat, scattering in all directions like a …

东横西倒

dōng héng xī dǎo

Describes a scene of utter disorder and disarray, with people or things lying about haphazardly in a…

东海逝波

dōng hǎi shì bō

Literally refers to waves flowing eastward into the vast sea, never to return. Metaphorically descri…

东磕西撞

dōng kē xī zhuàng

Describes someone rushing around frantically and aimlessly, bumping into things in every direction l…

东砍西斫

dōng kǎn xī zhuó

Describes fierce combat or battle raging in all directions at once. It conveys the image of a warrio…

东零西落

dōng líng xī luò

Describes things that are scattered, sparse, and dispersed in disorder. It conveys a sense of declin…

东南之秀

dōng nán zhī xiù

Refers to an exceptionally talented person from the southeastern regions of China. It is used to pra…

东墙处子

dōng qiáng chǔ zǐ

A virgin girl living on the other side of the eastern wall, referring to a neighbor's unmarried daug…

东声西击

dōng shēng xī jī

To make a feint in one direction while attacking in another. It describes a diversionary tactic wher…

东谈西说

dōng tán xī shuō

This idiom refers to discussing a wide range of topics without depth or focus. It describes talking …

东偷西摸

dōng tōu xī mō

To engage in shady or improper activities on the sly, especially petty theft or sneaky misconduct. T…

东西南北

dōng xī nán běi

Literally 'east, west, south, north,' referring to all four directions and by extension to everywher…

东洋大海

dōng yáng dà hǎi

Literally refers to the vast sea east of China. It is used figuratively to describe something immeas…

东摇西摆

dōng yáo xī bǎi

To sway and wobble from side to side. Originally describing an unsteady gait, it is now used metapho…

东央西浼

dōng yāng xī měi

To entreat and beg everywhere, going around to various people to plead for help or favors. It descri…

东挨西撞

dōng āi xī zhuàng

Describes wandering and rushing about aimlessly in all directions without a fixed goal or purpose. I…

敦默寡言

dūn mò guǎ yán

To be steady and composed while speaking little. It describes someone whose serious, reliable temper…

打抱不平

dǎ bào bù píng

To stand up and intervene when witnessing injustice, defending the victim or the wronged party. It d…

打草蛇惊

dǎ cǎo shé jīng

Striking the grass startles the snake hidden within. It originally meant that punishing one party al…

打躬作揖

dǎ gōng zuō yī

This idiom describes cupping one hand in the other and bowing forward as a traditional gesture of gr…

打落水狗

dǎ luò shuǐ gǒu

To relentlessly pursue and strike down an already-defeated villain or enemy. The idiom advises again…

打情骂俏

dǎ qíng mà qiào

To flirt and banter playfully between men and women. It describes lighthearted teasing and flirtatio…

打情卖笑

dǎ qíng mài xiào

To flirt and trade in playful banter between men and women. It describes the behavior of teasing and…

打入冷宫

dǎ rù lěng gōng

To be cast aside, neglected, or deliberately ignored. Originally referring to an imperial consort ba…

打鸭惊鸳

dǎ yā jīng yuān

To hit the duck and startle the mandarin ducks. It means that by acting against one person, you inad…

胆颤心惊

dǎn chàn xīn jīng

To tremble with fear and feel one's heart pounding. It describes being extremely frightened or terri…

胆大包天

dǎn dà bāo tiān

Describes a person whose courage is so immense it could envelop the heavens. It conveys extreme auda…

胆破心寒

dǎn pò xīn hán

Describes a state of being utterly terrified and utterly submissive due to extreme fear. The idiom c…

胆战心寒

dǎn zhàn xīn hán

To tremble with fear and feel a chill in one's heart. It describes an extreme level of fright or ter…

党豺为虐

dǎng chái wéi nüè

To band together with vicious people and commit cruel acts. The word 豺 (jackal) metaphorically refer…

倒持干戈

dǎo chí gān gē

To hold a weapon upside down, thereby handing the handle to someone else. It is a metaphor for givin…

蹈故习常

dǎo gù xí cháng

To follow old rules and habitual ways of doing things without change. It describes someone who stubb…

蹈其覆辙

dǎo qì fù zhé

To follow the same disastrous path that someone else has already taken. It is a metaphor for ignorin…

倒峡泻河

dǎo xiá xiè hé

Literally 'pouring through a gorge like a rushing river,' this idiom describes writing that is vigor…

蹈袭覆辙

dǎo xí fù zhé

To walk again the same rut where a cart previously overturned. It means failing to learn from past m…

砥锋挺锷

dǐ fēng tǐng è

To sharpen one's blade and draw one's sword. It describes taking up arms or resorting to military fo…

砥节励行

dǐ jié lì xíng

To temper one's moral integrity and cultivate one's conduct. It describes a person who diligently re…

砥砺名节

dǐ lì míng jié

To discipline and temper oneself in order to uphold one's reputation and moral integrity. The phrase…

抵死瞒生

dǐ sǐ mán shēng

To exhaust all one's wits and try every conceivable means to achieve a goal. It describes someone sc…

抵掌而谈

dǐ zhǎng ér tán

To converse enthusiastically and harmoniously with another person, striking one's palms together in …

鼎食钟鸣

dǐng shí zhōng míng

Describes the extravagant dining customs of ancient aristocrats, who ate with bronze bells chiming a…

鼎新革故

dǐng xīn gé gù

Originally referring to political reform or dynastic change. Now it broadly means to eliminate the o…

鼎足而立

dǐng zú ér lì

Like the three legs of a tripod standing separately, three parties each occupy one side. It metaphor…

斗方名士

dǒu fāng míng shì

The term originally referred to people who wrote poetry or painted on small square sheets of paper t…

斗酒百篇

dǒu jiǔ bǎi piān

Drinking a dou of wine and composing a hundred poems. It describes someone with extraordinary litera…

斗绝一隅

dǒu jué yī yú

This idiom describes a place that is isolated and remote, situated in a far-flung corner cut off fro…

斗南一人

dǒu nán yī rén

Refers to a person whose virtue or talent is unparalleled in the whole world. The phrase comes from …

斗筲之器

dǒu shāo zhī qì

A small bamboo container that can hold only a limited amount. Used as a metaphor for a person of nar…

赌长较短

dǔ cháng jiào duǎn

To compete over strengths and compare weaknesses, i.e. to measure merits and demerits against one an…

睹景伤情

dǔ jǐng shāng qíng

Seeing a scene or landscape triggers feelings of sadness and sorrow. It describes the experience of …

赌誓发愿

dǔ shì fā yuàn

To solemnly swear an oath or make a vow, earnestly declaring one's resolve or giving a firm guarante…

笃实好学

dǔ shí hào xué

To be honest, practical, and steady in one's conduct while maintaining a genuine love for learning a…

睹物伤情

dǔ wù shāng qíng

To see an object and feel sorrow because it reminds one of its owner or a departed person. It descri…

发短心长

fà duǎn xīn cháng

Short hair signifies old age, while a long heart signifies deep cunning. The idiom describes an elde…

发怒穿冠

fà nù chuān guān

Describes hair standing on end from extreme rage, so much so that it seems to pierce through one's h…

泛泛之谈

fàn fàn zhī tán

Refers to remarks or discussion that are shallow, general, and lack depth or substance. It describes…

贩夫驺卒

fàn fū zōu zú

This idiom refers to petty street peddlers and low-ranking attendants or servants. It broadly denote…

贩交买名

fàn jiāo mǎi míng

To sell out one's friends in exchange for personal fame and status. It describes the despicable act …

饭囊酒瓮

fàn náng jiǔ wèng

A metaphor for a person who only eats and drinks but accomplishes nothing useful. It describes someo…

范张鸡黍

fàn zhāng jī shǔ

The idiom refers to Fan Shi and Zhang Shao sharing a meal of chicken and millet together. It symboli…

放达不羁

fàng dá bù jī

Describes someone who is free-spirited, magnanimous, and completely unconstrained by rules or conven…

放虎归山

fàng hǔ guī shān

To release a tiger back into the mountains. It is a metaphor for letting a dangerous enemy go free a…

放辟淫侈

fàng pì yín chǐ

To recklessly engage in wrongful and immoral behavior without restraint. It describes someone who is…

放泼撒豪

fàng pō sā háo

This idiom describes someone who acts shamelessly and uses their power or position to oppress and in…

放任自流

fàng rèn zì liú

To let things develop on their own without any guidance, supervision, or intervention. It describes …

放纵不拘

fàng zòng bù jū

To act willfully and without restraint, ignoring rules or conventions. It describes someone who beha…

罚不当罪

fá bù dāng zuì

The punishment does not fit the crime; the penalty is either too lenient or too severe relative to t…

罚不责众

fá bù zé zhòng

When a transgression is committed by a large number of people, it becomes impractical to punish them…

繁荣富强

fán róng fù qiáng

This idiom describes a nation or society whose enterprises are flourishing and growing increasingly …

繁刑重赋

fán xíng zhòng fù

This idiom refers to a government that imposes harsh, frequent punishments and burdensome taxes upon…

防不胜防

fáng bù shèng fáng

It describes a situation where defenses cannot possibly cope with the sheer number or variety of thr…

废话连篇

fèi huà lián piān

This idiom describes speech or writing that is full of unnecessary and empty words. It implies a lac…

费力劳心

fèi lì láo xīn

To exhaust both physical energy and mental effort. It describes a situation where someone works hard…

沸天震地

fèi tiān zhèn dì

Describes a sound so overwhelmingly loud and clamorous that it seems to boil the heavens and shake t…

忿世嫉俗

fèn shì jí sú

A person with a sense of justice who resents and detests the dark realities of society and unreasona…

奋身不顾

fèn shēn bù gù

To throw oneself into action with no regard for personal safety. It describes someone who acts coura…

粪土不如

fèn tú bù rú

Literally 'worse than dung and dirt.' It describes something utterly worthless, holding even less va…

奋武扬威

fèn wǔ yáng wēi

To stir up martial courage and demonstrate imposing power. It describes advancing with bold, aggress…

炰鳖脍鲤

fèng biē kuài lǐ

Refers to exquisite and precious delicacies. The phrase literally describes roasted soft-shelled tur…

凤泊鸾飘

fèng bó luán piāo

A metaphor for talented individuals whose abilities go unrecognized, leaving them to wander restless…

凤骨龙姿

fèng gǔ lóng zī

This idiom describes someone with an extraordinary physique and bearing, comparing their bone struct…

奉命唯谨

fèng mìng wéi jǐn

To receive orders and carry them out with the utmost care and caution. It describes a person who obe…

奉命惟谨

fèng mìng wéi jǐn

To carry out orders with the utmost care and strict obedience, daring not to deviate in the slightes…

凤翥鸾回

fèng zhù luán huí

The phoenix soars upward and the luan bird circles back. It is a metaphor describing calligraphy who…

肥遁鸣高

féi dùn míng gāo

To withdraw from public office and retire into seclusion, proclaiming oneself noble and aloof from w…

肥头大耳

féi tóu dà ěr

Describes a person with a plump, fleshy appearance, especially a round face and large ears. While of…

逢场作趣

féng chǎng zuò qù

To join in the fun and play along casually when the occasion arises, without any serious intent. It …

逢机立断

féng jī lì duàn

To seize the opportune moment and make a decisive judgment without hesitation. It is equivalent to t…

逢君之恶

féng jūn zhī è

To deliberately flatter and indulge a ruler's or superior's wicked inclinations, actively encouragin…

冯唐白首

féng táng bái shǒu

Refers to someone whose talents were recognized too late, when they were already advanced in age. It…

逢恶导非

féng è dǎo fēi

To flatter and cater to bad people while encouraging and abetting their wrongdoing. It describes som…

佛头著粪

fó tóu zhuó fèn

To defecate on a Buddha statue's head. Metaphorically, it means to defile or desecrate something sac…

佛眼相看

fó yǎn xiāng kàn

To look at someone through the eyes of a Buddha, meaning to treat others with kindness and goodwill,…

负才傲物

fù cái ào wù

To rely on one's own talent and look down upon everyone else with arrogance. It describes a person w…

傅粉何郎

fù fěn hé láng

Originally referred to He Yan, whose face was so fair and pale it seemed as though he had applied po…

富国强兵

fù guó qiáng bīng

This idiom expresses the strategic goal of making a nation prosperous and its military formidable. I…

富国裕民

fù guó yù mín

To enrich both the nation and its people through sound governance or economic policy. It describes m…

附骥名彰

fù jì míng zhāng

To attach oneself to someone famous or prestigious, thereby making one's own name more prominent. It…

负荆请罪

fù jīng qǐng zuì

To bear a bundle of thorny branches on one's back and go to apologize. It means to offer a sincere a…

覆去翻来

fù qù fān lái

Describes tossing and turning repeatedly, especially when unable to sleep. It can also describe doin…

负任蒙劳

fù rèn méng láo

To shoulder weighty responsibilities and endure arduous labor without complaint. It describes someon…

覆水难收

fù shuǐ nán shōu

Spilled water cannot be gathered back. This idiom conveys that what is done cannot be undone, and ce…

附膻逐腥

fù shān zhú xīng

Literally meaning to cling to and chase after things with a rank, foul smell, this idiom is a metaph…

附下罔上

fù xià wǎng shàng

To side with and cover for one's subordinates or colleagues while deceiving those above. It describe…

赴险如夷

fù xiǎn rú yí

To rush into danger as though walking on flat, level ground. It describes someone who faces peril wi…

附赘县疣

fù zhuì xiàn yóu

Literally referring to superfluous tumors and warts attached to the body, this idiom metaphorically …

付诸一笑

fù zhū yī xiào

To respond to something with a smile or a laugh. It figuratively means to dismiss something as not w…

负罪引慝

fù zuì yǐn tè

To shoulder all blame oneself and willingly accept responsibility for one's misdeeds, rather than de…

富在知足

fù zài zhī zú

True wealth lies in knowing when one has enough and being content with what one possesses. This idio…

覆宗灭祀

fù zōng miè sì

To destroy a family's ancestral temple and extinguish its ritual sacrifices, thereby wiping out the …

附耳低言

fù ěr dī yán

To lean close to someone's ear and speak in a low voice. It describes whispering to another person w…

浮瓜沉李

fú guā chén lǐ

It refers to chilling sweet melons in cool spring water and sinking red plums in ice during the heig…

浮瓜沈李

fú guā shěn lǐ

Literally refers to floating melons and sinking plums in cold spring water to cool them. It describe…

浮来暂去

fú lái zàn qù

A metaphor for coming and going without a fixed pattern or schedule. It describes people or things t…

福禄双全

fú lù shuāng quán

Having both blessings and prosperity. It describes someone who enjoys good fortune as well as wealth…

扶弱抑强

fú ruò yì qiáng

To help and defend the weak while restraining and opposing the powerful and oppressive. It describes…

艴然不悦

fú rán bù yuè

To be visibly angry and displeased, with an unpleasant look on one's face. The term 艴然 describes the…

怫然作色

fú rán zuò sè

To suddenly show an angry or displeased expression on one's face. It describes a person whose face v…

福善祸淫

fú shàn huò yín

Heaven blesses the good and brings misfortune upon the wicked. It expresses the traditional Chinese …

福寿齐天

fú shòu qí tiān

A felicitous expression meaning one's fortune and longevity are as great and vast as heaven itself. …

福寿无疆

fú shòu wú jiāng

This is a congratulatory expression wishing someone boundless fortune and endless longevity. It is c…

扶危济困

fú wēi jì kùn

To help those in danger and aid those in distress. This idiom describes the noble act of coming to t…

扶危拯溺

fú wēi zhěng nì

To aid those in peril and rescue those who are drowning. It is a metaphor for doing one's utmost to …

扶摇万里

fú yáo wàn lǐ

This idiom describes a whirlwind rising steeply and spiraling upward to great heights, originally re…

浮云朝露

fú yún zhāo lù

Floating clouds and morning dew. A metaphor for the fleeting nature of time and the brevity of human…

浮一大白

fú yī dà bái

Originally referred to being penalized to drink a large cup of wine for violating drinking-game rule…

发凡起例

fā fán qǐ lì

To outline the overall principles and lay down the format or conventions for a written work. It desc…

发号施令

fā hào shī lìng

To issue orders and commands. It originally referred to the authority of a ruler to promulgate decre…

发奸擿伏

fā jiān tì fú

To expose hidden wrongdoers and uncover concealed crimes. It describes someone with a remarkable abi…

发扬蹈厉

fā yáng dǎo lì

Originally describing the vigorous dance movements in the 'Wu' music of the early Zhou dynasty, wher…

发扬光大

fā yáng guāng dà

To carry forward and develop something good, such as a tradition, virtue, or style, making it more b…

发踪指示

fā zōng zhǐ shì

To discover the tracks of prey and direct the hounds to chase. It metaphorically means to scheme and…

翻复无常

fān fù wú cháng

To change constantly and unpredictably; to be fickle or inconsistent in attitude or behavior. It des…

翻山越岭

fān shān yuè lǐng

To climb over mountains and traverse ridges. It describes the hardship and exertion of traveling or …

方头不劣

fāng tóu bù liè

"Fāng tóu" (square head) colloquially refers to someone who is out of touch with the times and infle…

飞刍挽粮

fēi chú wǎn liáng

It means to transport military grain and fodder at great speed. The idiom describes the rapid, large…

飞觥献斝

fēi gōng xiàn jiǎ

The idiom describes a lively drinking scene where people frequently pass and offer wine cups to one …

飞禽走兽

fēi qín zǒu shòu

Literally 'flying birds and running beasts.' It refers broadly to all types of birds and animals. Th…

非亲非故

fēi qīn fēi gù

Neither a relative nor an old acquaintance. Describes two people who share no familial ties or prior…

飞霜六月

fēi shuāng liù yuè

Literally "frost falls in the sixth month (midsummer)." It is a classical metaphor for a grave injus…

飞声腾实

fēi shēng téng shí

This idiom describes someone whose reputation spreads far and wide while their actual deeds measure …

飞熊入梦

fēi xióng rù mèng

Originally refers to King Wen of Zhou dreaming of a flying bear, which portended his discovery of th…

飞扬浮躁

fēi yáng fú zào

Frivolous and impetuous in temperament. It describes someone who is flighty and restless, lacking th…

非愚则诬

fēi yú zé wū

If someone is not genuinely foolish, then they must be deliberately slandering or deceiving. The phr…

飞云掣电

fēi yún chè diàn

This idiom describes something as swift and fast-moving as flying clouds and flashing lightning. It …

飞针走线

fēi zhēn zǒu xiàn

This idiom vividly describes highly skilled and swift needlework, where the needle seems to fly and …

飞灾横祸

fēi zāi hèng huò

Unexpected calamities and disasters that strike out of nowhere. It describes troubles that come sudd…

分房减口

fēn fáng jiǎn kǒu

In old times of famine, a large family would split up and send some members away to flee starvation …

纷纷籍籍

fēn fēn jí jí

Describes a scene of great multitude and chaotic disorder, where things are crisscrossing and jumble…

分风劈流

fēn fēng pǐ liú

A metaphor for speaking with directness and power. It describes someone whose words are so clear and…

分甘绝少

fēn gān jué shǎo

To share sweet and delicious food with others while declining to take even meager portions for onese…

分工合作

fēn gōng hé zuò

To divide labor and cooperate, with each person taking responsibility for a specific part of the wor…

分化瓦解

fēn huà wǎ jiě

To split apart and disintegrate an opposing force or group. It refers to weakening an adversary by b…

分毫析厘

fēn háo xī lí

Hao and li are both tiny units of measurement, and xi means to analyze or dissect. The phrase descri…

分家析产

fēn jiā xī chǎn

To divide up household property among family members when separating the family into independent hou…

分进合击

fēn jìn hé jī

A military strategy in which forces advance from several directions simultaneously to converge on an…

纷乱如麻

fēn luàn rú má

A metaphor describing a situation or state of affairs that is extremely confused and tangled, like a…

分劳赴功

fēn láo fù gōng

To share the burden of hard work and fulfill one's duty to achieve results. It describes taking on l…

分厘毫丝

fēn lí háo sī

Describes something extremely minute or fine in degree. Composed of four progressively smaller tradi…

分秒必争

fēn miǎo bì zhēng

Every single minute and second must be fought for. Describes making the most of one's time and worki…

分门别类

fēn mén bié lèi

To sort things into distinct categories according to their nature or characteristics. It describes t…

分三别两

fēn sān bié liǎng

To explain or analyze something in fine detail with precision and clarity, making all distinctions c…

分条析理

fēn tiáo xī lǐ

To analyze matters point by point and break down their underlying logic. It describes speech or writ…

分文不直

fēn wén bù zhí

Literally 'not worth a single fraction of a coin.' It describes something or someone that has absolu…

分烟析产

fēn yān xī chǎn

Refers to the formal division of a family household, where assets are split and each branch sets up …

风不鸣条

fēng bù míng tiáo

A gentle breeze that does not cause branches to rustle. It metaphorically describes a peaceful, stab…

风兵草甲

fēng bīng cǎo jiǎ

An expression describing a state of extreme fear and paranoia where one mistakes the rustling of win…

风吹日晒

fēng chuī rì shài

To be exposed to harsh winds and scorching sun. It describes being out in the open weather without a…

风掣雷行

fēng chè léi xíng

Literally 'wind flashing, thunder moving,' this idiom describes something that happens as swiftly as…

风驰草靡

fēng chí cǎo mǐ

Like wind sweeping across and grass bowing down. It describes a powerful force or overwhelming momen…

风驰云走

fēng chí yún zǒu

Describes moving at tremendous speed, like wind sweeping past and clouds racing by. It is commonly u…

风车雨马

fēng chē yǔ mǎ

Literally 'wind cart rain horse,' referring to the chariots and horses of deities and spirits. It is…

蜂攒蚁聚

fēng cuán yǐ jù

Describes a crowd of people gathered together in a chaotic, swarming manner, like a cluster of bees …

风餐露宿

fēng cān lù sù

Eating in the wind and sleeping in the open air. It describes the hardships of traveling or working …

锋镝余生

fēng dí yú shēng

To have survived the blades and arrows of war. It describes someone who escaped death in battle or l…

丰度翩翩

fēng dù piān piān

Describes a person whose bearing and manner are elegant, refined, and gracefully unrestrained. It co…

丰富多彩

fēng fù duō cǎi

Rich, varied, and colorful; describing content, activities, or life as being full of variety and int…

丰富多采

fēng fù duō cǎi

Rich in content and varied in form, with a wide diversity of types, styles, or expressions. It descr…

锋发韵流

fēng fā yùn liú

This idiom describes writing that is sharp and vigorous in expression while flowing with graceful rh…

封官许愿

fēng guān xǔ yuàn

To promise official positions, titles, and wealth in order to entice others into helping achieve imp…

风光月霁

fēng guāng yuè jì

Describes the bright, clear, and fresh scenery after rain has passed and the sky clears. It also ser…

丰功盛烈

fēng gōng shèng liè

A phrase describing immense and glorious merits and achievements. It refers to monumental accomplish…

风华正茂

fēng huá zhèng mào

In the prime of youth, full of talent and vitality. At the peak of one's powers.

风花雪夜

fēng huā xuě yè

Originally referred to the natural scenery — spring wind, flowers, snow, and moonlit nights — most c…

风禾尽起

fēng hé jìn qǐ

This idiom means to follow the will of heaven and thereby receive heaven's help. It describes a turn…

风和日丽

fēng hé rì lì

A four-character idiom describing fine, pleasant weather with gentle breeze and bright sunshine. It …

封胡遏末

fēng hú è mò

A metaphor for outstanding young men or excellent descendants of a noble family. It originally prais…

风急浪高

fēng jí làng gāo

Literally describing strong winds and towering waves. It is used metaphorically to describe a turbul…

封金挂印

fēng jīn guà yìn

To seal up bestowed gold and hang up one's official seal, symbolizing the rejection of material rewa…

风流蕴藉

fēng liú yùn jiè

Describes someone who is elegant, refined, and full of talent, with an inner grace and depth that is…

风流韵事

fēng liú yùn shì

Refers to elegant and tasteful affairs. Originally it described refined literary pursuits of scholar…

风雷之变

fēng léi zhī biàn

This idiom refers to ominous natural phenomena, such as violent storms with thunder and lightning, t…

锋芒毕露

fēng máng bì lù

This idiom describes someone whose sharpness and talents are fully on display. It often carries a co…

锋芒不露

fēng máng bù lù

Possesses talent or cunning but does not show it externally. Describes someone whose full abilities …

锋芒所向

fēng máng suǒ xiàng

Refers to the direction in which one's spearhead is aimed in a struggle or conflict. It describes th…

风木含悲

fēng mù hán bēi

This idiom compares the grief of a filial child who can no longer care for their deceased parents to…

风马云车

fēng mǎ yún chē

This idiom refers to the carriages and horses of divine spirits or deities. It paints a vivid image …

封豕长蛇

fēng shǐ cháng shé

A great pig and a long snake; a metaphor for the rapacious and cruel. It describes greedy tyrants or…

丰屋之戒

fēng wū zhī jiè

A cautionary lesson about the danger of building excessively grand houses. It warns that ostentatiou…

风旋电掣

fēng xuán diàn chè

Describes something moving or happening with extreme speed, like a whirlwind sweeping past or a ligh…

风行电击

fēng xíng diàn jī

Describes swiftness and overwhelming force, moving as fast as the wind and striking as suddenly as l…

风行一时

fēng xíng yī shī

This idiom describes something that becomes extremely popular for a period of time, sweeping through…

风云不测

fēng yún bù cè

Literally meaning 'wind and clouds are unpredictable,' this idiom describes a volatile and uncertain…

风云突变

fēng yún tū biàn

A sudden and dramatic shift in a volatile situation. Wind and clouds serve as a metaphor for turbule…

蜂腰猿背

fēng yāo yuán bèi

Having a slender waist and narrow back, describing someone with a light, graceful, and handsome phys…

风雨不测

fēng yǔ bù cè

Wind and rain cannot be foreseen. It is a metaphor for events or circumstances that are as unpredict…

风雨晦暝

fēng yǔ huì míng

This idiom describes a scene of fierce wind and driving rain that darkens the sky until it resembles…

风雨漂摇

fēng yǔ piāo yáo

A metaphor for a turbulent and highly unstable situation. It depicts circumstances as precarious and…

风雨飘飖

fēng yǔ piāo yáo

A metaphor for a turbulent and highly unstable situation. It likens precarious circumstances to a sm…

风雨同舟

fēng yǔ tóng zhōu

To stand together through hardship; sharing the same fate in times of adversity. It describes people…

风雨无阻

fēng yǔ wú zǔ

Unimpeded by wind or rain. It describes carrying out a planned activity on schedule regardless of ba…

风中之烛

fēng zhōng zhī zhú

A candle flickering in the wind. It is a metaphor for an elderly person whose life could end at any …

匪石之心

fěi shí zhī xīn

A metaphor for steadfast and unwavering loyalty or resolve. It compares the heart to a stone that ca…

匪伊朝夕

fěi yí zhāo xī

This idiom means something is not merely a matter of a single morning and evening — it has been goin…

讽一劝百

fěng yī quàn bǎi

To mildly and indirectly criticize one matter so that many others are educated and warned. It origin…

粉骨捐躯

fěn　gǔ　juān　qū

To have one's bones ground to powder and give up one's life. It describes a willingness to sacrifice…

粉骨糜躯

fěn　gǔ　mí　qū

To have one's bones ground to powder and body crushed to pieces. It signifies a willingness to sacri…

粉面朱唇

fěn　miàn　zhū　chún

White face and red lips. Used to describe someone with a fair, handsome appearance, often a young ma…

夫负妻戴

fū fù qī dài

Literally describes a husband carrying provisions on his back and a wife carrying utensils on her he…

夫贵妻荣

fū guì qī róng

When the husband attains high rank and honor, his wife shares in his prestige and glory. It reflects…

肤末支离

fū mò zhī lí

Superficial and trivial; fragmented and lacking substance. Used to describe arguments, writings, or …

肤粟股栗

fū sù gǔ lì

The skin breaks out in goosebumps and the thighs tremble uncontrollably. It describes a state of ext…

敷衍了事

fū yǎn liǎo shì

To carry out a task half-heartedly or carelessly, doing just enough to get by without genuine effort…

法海无边

fǎ hǎi wú biān

A Buddhist metaphor comparing the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) to the vast, boundless sea. It describ…

法家拂士

fǎ jiā bì shì

This idiom refers to law-upholding ministers who understand statutes and wise advisors who assist th…

法无可贷

fǎ wú kě dài

This idiom means that according to the law, there is no possibility of leniency or pardon. It descri…

反败为胜

fǎn bài wéi shèng

To reverse a losing situation and turn it into a victory. It describes the ability to overcome initi…

反唇相讥

fǎn chún xiāng jī

To retort sarcastically when criticized, refusing to accept blame and instead turning the attack bac…

反戈相向

fǎn gē xiāng xiàng

To turn one's weapon against one's own side. It describes a situation where someone betrays their ow…

反经合道

fǎn jīng hé dào

To act contrary to established norms or conventions, yet still remain aligned with higher moral prin…

反客为主

fǎn kè wéi zhǔ

The guest reverses roles and becomes the host. It metaphorically means turning a passive position in…

返来复去

fǎn lái fù qù

This idiom means to repeat something over and over again, going back and forth multiple times. It de…

反劳为逸

fǎn láo wéi yì

To turn fatigue into rest and refreshment. It describes the strategic act of converting a state of e…

返璞归真

fǎn pú guī zhēn

To strip away external ornamentation and return to one's original, natural state. It metaphorically …

返朴归真

fǎn pǔ guī zhēn

To strip away external adornments and artificiality, restoring one's original natural essence. It de…

反朴还淳

fǎn pǔ huán chún

To revert to a state of simplicity, plainness, and honest purity. It describes casting off artificia…

反求诸己

fǎn qiú zhū jǐ

To turn inward and examine oneself for the causes of failure or conflict, rather than blaming others…

反水不收

fǎn shuǐ bù shōu

Spilled water cannot be gathered back. It metaphorically means that once something is done, it canno…

返视内照

fǎn shì nèi zhào

Originally a Buddhist term meaning to examine one's own inner nature through spiritual insight. It n…

反身自问

fǎn shēn zì wèn

To turn inward and examine one's own words and deeds, holding oneself accountable for one's conduct.…

访贫问苦

fǎng pín wèn kǔ

This idiom describes the act of going among impoverished and suffering people to understand their li…

釜底抽薪

fǔ dǐ chōu xīn

Literally, to pull the firewood out from under the cauldron. It means to solve a problem by striking…

抚今悼昔

fǔ jīn dào xī

To reflect on the present and lament the past. It describes being moved by current circumstances to …

抚景伤情

fǔ jǐng shāng qíng

To be deeply saddened by the sight of a scene or landscape before one's eyes. The idiom describes ho…

斧破斨缺

fǔ pò qiāng quē

Describes weapons that are broken and damaged, particularly axes and other bladed implements of war.…

辅世长民

fǔ shì zhǎng mín

This idiom means to assist the ruler of the current age in governing the people. It reflects the Con…

俯首弭耳

fǔ shǒu mǐ ěr

Describes a posture of complete submission and obedience, like an animal lowering its head and flatt…

釜鱼幕燕

fǔ yú mù yàn

A fish swimming in a cauldron and a swallow nesting on a suspended curtain. It is a metaphor for som…

俯仰随人

fǔ yǎng suí rén

To have every move controlled by others, lacking any independence. It describes a person who submits…

挂肚牵肠

guà dù qiān cháng

Deeply worried and anxious about someone, unable to put them out of one's mind. It paints a vivid pi…

挂一漏万

guà yī lòu wàn

To mention one thing but omit ten thousand others. It describes an account or description that is fa…

怪诞不经

guài dàn bù jīng

Describes speech or ideas that are bizarre, absurd, and contrary to common sense or reason. The term…

怪声怪气

guài shēng guài qì

Describes a voice, tone, or singing style that sounds comical, bizarre, or unpleasantly odd. It ofte…

怪雨盲风

guài yǔ máng fēng

Literally describing bizarre rain and blinding wind, this idiom refers to a fierce and sudden storm.…

冠屦倒施

guàn jù dǎo shī

A metaphor for the reversal of proper order, where superiors and inferiors occupy the wrong position…

贯朽粟陈

guàn xiǔ sù chén

Describes immense, almost unimaginable wealth. The coin strings that tie up stacks of cash have rott…

贯朽粟红

guàn xiǔ sù hóng

A metaphor for abundant wealth and grain reserves. The image depicts money stored so long that the s…

贵古贱今

guì gǔ jiàn jīn

To esteem the past while belittling the present. This idiom criticizes a biased mindset that blindly…

贵贱无二

guì jiàn wú èer

To treat people of high and low social status with equal respect, making no distinction based on ran…

贵远鄙近

guì yuǎn bǐ jìn

To consider what is distant in time as precious and what is near as worthless. It describes the tend…

贵壮贱老

guì zhuàng jiàn lǎo

To prize the young and robust while disdaining the elderly and frail. It describes a utilitarian min…

桂子飘香

guì zǐ piāo xiāng

Describes the scene of osmanthus flowers in full bloom around the Mid-Autumn Festival, their sweet f…

贵耳贱目

guì ěr jiàn mù

To value what one hears while despising what one sees. It describes a mindset of trusting hearsay an…

过门不入

guò mén bù rù

To pass by one's own door without entering. It describes someone who is so devoted to their duties t…

过桥拆桥

guò qiáo chāi qiáo

To burn the bridge after crossing it. Once one's goal is achieved, one discards or turns against tho…

国破家亡

guó pò jiā wáng

The nation has fallen and families have been destroyed. It describes the total devastation of a coun…

国泰民安

guó tài mín ān

The country is at peace and the people live in contentment and security. It describes a prosperous a…

刮肠洗胃

guā cháng xǐ wèi

An idiom describing the determination to thoroughly repent and correct past mistakes in order to sta…

瓜李之嫌

guā lǐ zhī xián

Being in a situation that naturally invites suspicion of wrongdoing. The phrase alludes to the ancie…

刮目相见

guā mù xiāng jiàn

To look at someone with new eyes; to reassess a person after they have made notable progress. It con…

鳏寡孤茕

guān guǎ gū qióng

Refers to people who have no ability to work and no relatives to provide for them—widowers, widows, …

冠履倒置

guān lǚ dào zhì

This idiom literally means a hat and shoes are put in the wrong order, with the hat where the shoes …

观山玩水

guān shān wán shuǐ

To tour scenic mountains and waters for leisure and enjoyment. It is equivalent to the more common i…

鳏鱼渴凤

guān yú kě fèng

A metaphor for a lonely bachelor anxiously seeking a spouse. The 'widower fish' (a fish said to neve…

光焰万丈

guāng yàn wàn zhàng

Radiant light shining brilliantly far and wide. Originally used to describe magnificent poetry and p…

规矩钩绳

guī jǔ gōu shéng

These refer to traditional carpentry and measuring tools—the compass for drawing circles, the square…

龟龙麟凤

guī lóng lín fèng

Four mythical creatures traditionally symbolizing longevity, nobility, and auspiciousness. Used meta…

龟龙片甲

guī lóng piàn jiǎ

A metaphor for collecting all valuable things, regardless of whether they are large or small. It con…

龟冷支床

guī lěng zhī chuáng

A metaphor for unfulfilled ambition, lying dormant while biding one's time for the right opportunity…

龟年鹤寿

guī nián hè shòu

An idiom comparing a person's long life to that of turtles and cranes, which in Chinese tradition ar…

龟年鹤算

guī nián hè suàn

A metaphor for great longevity, likening a person's lifespan to the long lives traditionally attribu…

归去来兮

guī qù lái xī

A poetic exclamation meaning 'let me go back home!' It expresses a longing to leave officialdom behi…

归十归一

guī shí guī yī

This idiom describes things being neatly organized, orderly, and methodical. It conveys the idea tha…

规天矩地

guī tiān jǔ dì

The compass (规) draws circles and symbolizes Heaven; the square (矩) draws squares and symbolizes Ear…

规旋矩折

guī xuán jǔ shé

The idiom describes graceful, regulated turning and bending movements, likened to the curves drawn b…

闺英闱秀

guī yīng wéi xiù

Describes a beautiful and talented young woman from a wealthy, respectable family. The phrase emphas…

归之若水

guī zhī ruò shuǐ

The momentum of people submitting to a leader or cause is likened to rivers flowing into the sea — g…

寡信轻诺

guǎ xìn qīng nuò

To make promises easily but rarely keep them, describing someone who lacks trustworthiness. It warns…

广见洽闻

guǎng jiàn qià wén

To see widely and hear much. It describes a person whose knowledge and experience are extensive and …

广庭大众

guǎng tíng dà zhòng

A spacious public place where large crowds gather. It refers to a broad, open venue filled with many…

广土众民

guǎng tǔ zhòng mín

A phrase describing a country with expansive territory and a large population. It conveys the idea o…

诡诞不经

guǐ dàn bù jīng

Bizarre, absurd, and contrary to reason. It describes statements, stories, or behavior that are wild…

鬼刻神劖

guǐ kè shén chán

Describes artistic skill or craftsmanship so extraordinary that it appears to have been wrought by s…

鬼哭神愁

guǐ kū shén chóu

Describes a scene or atmosphere of extreme terror and distress, so horrifying that even ghosts wail …

鬼哭神号

guǐ kū shén hào

This idiom describes mournful, wailing cries so dreadful they seem to come from both ghosts and spir…

鬼哭神惊

guǐ kū shén jīng

This idiom describes a state of extreme terror or alarm, so intense that even ghosts and deities wou…

鬼神不测

guǐ shén bù cè

Describes something so extraordinarily profound and magical that even ghosts and spirits cannot pred…

裹粮坐甲

guǒ liáng zuò jiǎ

To carry provisions and sit fully armored, ready for battle. It describes troops in a state of compl…

果熟蒂落

guǒ shú dì luò

When fruit is fully ripe, it naturally separates from its stem. Figuratively, it means that once con…

果于自信

guǒ yú zì xìn

Describes someone who is excessively self-assured and overconfident in their own judgment. The idiom…

盖棺论定

gài guān lùn dìng

Only when the coffin lid is nailed shut can a final judgment be made. It means that a person's true …

概莫能外

gài mò néng wài

No one can be an exception. It indicates that everyone or everything falls within the specified scop…

盖世无双

gài shì wú shuāng

Peerless and unparalleled in the world. Describes talent, martial skill, or ability so extraordinary…

盖世之才

gài shì zhī cái

An extraordinary talent that surpasses all others in the world. It describes someone whose abilities…

各不相让

gè bù xiāng ràng

Describes a situation where all parties involved stubbornly refuse to yield or compromise with one a…

各个击破

gè gè jī pò

A military term referring to using concentrated superior forces to annihilate a divided enemy force …

各色名样

gè sè gè yàng

Various kinds and various styles; of every category and form. It describes a wide diversity of types…

各色各样

gè sè gè yàng

This idiom means 'all kinds and all sorts.' It describes a wide variety of categories, styles, or ty…

各为其主

gè wèi qí zhǔ

It means each person serves and works for his or her own master or employer. It is used when people …

各有所好

gè yǒu suǒ hào

Each person has their own preferences and tastes. The idiom suggests that people's likes and dislike…

更名改姓

gèng míng gǎi xìng

To alter one's full name, typically to conceal one's identity or escape from a past life. It implies…

更仆难尽

gèng pú nán jìn

Describes a situation where there are so many people or things that they cannot be fully enumerated …

隔壁听话

gé bì tīng huà

Literally 'listening to speech through the wall,' this idiom describes grandiose talk that sounds im…

革带移孔

gé dài yí kǒng

Describes a person growing increasingly emaciated due to old age and illness. The image evokes a lea…

革故立新

gé gù lì xīn

This idiom means to discard the old and establish the new. It originally referred to political refor…

革旧图新

gé jiù tú xīn

To abandon outdated practices and actively seek new paths forward. The idiom conveys a spirit of ref…

革旧维新

gé jiù wéi xīn

To abolish the old and advocate the new. The phrase specifically refers to political reform and impr…

革面革心

gé miàn gé xīn

A metaphor for thoroughly reforming oneself and starting life anew. It is synonymous with the idiom …

隔年皇历

gé nián huáng lì

This idiom literally refers to an almanac from a previous year. Metaphorically, it describes outdate…

隔墙有耳

gé qiáng yǒu ěr

Literally meaning 'there are ears on the other side of the wall,' this idiom warns that even private…

格物穷理

gé wù qióng lǐ

To investigate things thoroughly in order to reach the very bottom of their underlying principles an…

革新变旧

gé xīn biàn jiù

To reform and replace the old with the new; to innovate by discarding outdated practices and establi…

革心易行

gé xīn yì xíng

To correct one's erroneous thoughts and change one's wrong behavior. It describes a genuine inner tr…

共挽鹿车

gòng wǎn lù chē

Literally pulling a small deer cart together. It describes a married couple living in harmony, willi…

贡禹弹冠

gòng yǔ tán guān

Gong Yu and Wang Ji were close friends who shared the same values and aspirations. When Wang Ji held…

共枝别干

gòng zhī bié gàn

A metaphor for students who learned from the same teacher yet each developed their own distinctive s…

顾后瞻前

gù hòu zhān qián

To look behind and peer ahead before acting. It describes someone who deliberates thoroughly and cau…

顾盼神飞

gù pàn shén fēi

Describes someone whose eyes are bright and animated, radiating vitality and extraordinary spirit as…

顾盼生辉

gù pàn shēng huī

Describes a person whose eyes and gaze are so expressive and captivating that they radiate brillianc…

顾盼自豪

gù pàn zì háo

To look around with an air of self-satisfaction and pride. It describes someone who is so pleased wi…

顾影自怜

gù yǐng zì lián

Looking back at one's own shadow and feeling sorry for oneself. It describes a state of loneliness a…

固执成见

gù zhí chéng jiàn

To stubbornly cling to one's preconceived opinions and refuse to change. It describes someone who is…

肝肠寸断

gān cháng cùn duàn

This idiom describes being heartbroken to the extreme, as if one's liver and intestines were being s…

甘处下流

gān chǔ xià liú

Willingly accepting an inferior or lowly position rather than striving for improvement. It describes…

肝胆胡越

gān dǎn hú yuè

This idiom contrasts the liver and gallbladder—organs within the same body, symbolizing closeness—wi…

肝胆相照

gān dǎn xiāng zhào

Literally meaning 'liver and gallbladder reflecting each other,' this idiom is a metaphor for treati…

干将莫邪

gān jiàng mò yé

Refers to two legendary swords forged by the master swordsmith Ganjiang and his wife Moye during the…

干名采誉

gān míng cǎi yù

To pursue fame and reputation through improper or deceitful means. It describes someone who fabricat…

肝髓流野

gān suǐ liú yě

Describes an extremely fierce and bloody battle in which entrails and corpses lie scattered across t…

甘棠遗爱

gān táng yí ài

A metaphor for the lasting gratitude and affection the people feel toward a departed local official …

甘心如荠

gān xīn rú jì

The word 荠 (jì) refers to shepherd's purse, a plant with a sweet taste. The idiom means that when on…

甘言美语

gān yán měi yǔ

Sweet, pleasing, and flattering words. It refers to honeyed speech used to coax, flatter, or deceive…

甘雨随车

gān yǔ suí chē

Wherever the carriage goes, timely rain follows. It is a traditional phrase of praise for a virtuous…

刚正不阿

gāng zhèng bù ē

To be upright and principled without flattering or showing favoritism. It describes someone who is r…

刚直不阿

gāng zhí bù ē

Describes a person who is firm, upright, and incorruptible — never bending to curry favor or showing…

刚中柔外

gāng zhōng róu wài

Describes someone who appears gentle and yielding on the surface yet is actually firm and unyielding…

高不可攀

gāo bù kě pān

Literally too high to climb or reach. Describes something that is unattainable, out of reach, or bey…

高出一筹

gāo chū yī chóu

To be one notch above others, literally 'higher by one tally chip.' It describes someone or somethin…

高才捷足

gāo cái jié zú

This idiom describes someone with outstanding abilities who also acts quickly and decisively. It com…

高飞远举

gāo fēi yuǎn jǔ

To fly high and go far. It is a metaphor for having a broad and promising future ahead. The idiom co…

高官显爵

gāo guān xiǎn jué

Holding a very high government office along with an illustrious noble title. It describes someone wh…

高高在上

gāo gāo zài shàng

Originally referring to being in a position of great height or authority. It now describes leaders o…

高歌猛进

gāo gē měng jìn

To sing loudly while advancing bravely. It describes someone moving forward with great optimism and …

膏粱文绣

gāo liáng wén xiù

It refers to the luxurious lifestyle of wealthy and noble families, encompassing fine delicacies and…

高垒深沟

gāo lěi shēn gōu

Build high defensive walls and dig deep trenches. It refers to constructing strong defensive fortifi…

高名大姓

gāo míng dà xìng

A polite phrase used when inquiring about someone's name. It conveys respect by elevating the other …

高人一等

gāo rén yī děng

To be a cut above others; to surpass the average person by a level. It describes someone or somethin…

高堂大厦

gāo táng dà shà

Refers to tall, grand buildings or imposing mansions. It is equivalent to the more common idiom "高楼大…

高头大马

gāo tóu dà mǎ

Literally refers to a tall, large horse. Figuratively, it is also used to describe a person who is t…

高文典策

gāo wén diǎn cè

This idiom refers to the important documents and edicts of the imperial court in feudal China. It de…

高卧东山

gāo wò dōng shān

A metaphor for living in seclusion and declining government office, leading a life of leisure. It de…

高牙大纛

gāo yá dà dào

Literally refers to the tall banners and great flags used in the armies of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou …

高阳酒徒

gāo yáng jiǔ tú

This idiom literally refers to a wine-loving person from Gaoyang. It describes someone who is fond o…

高枕勿忧

gāo zhěn wù yōu

An expression meaning to rest easy without worry, essentially identical to 高枕无忧 (gāo zhěn wú yōu). I…

膏泽脂香

gāo zé zhī xiāng

A literary phrase describing cosmetics and skincare products, specifically the glossy sheen of ointm…

割地称臣

gē dì chēng chén

To cede territory to a stronger power and formally submit as its vassal. It describes a state or rul…

歌功颂德

gē gōng sòng dé

To sing praise of someone's achievements and extol their virtues. The phrase typically describes exc…

割襟之盟

gē jīn zhī méng

A betrothal pact made by parents before their children are born, symbolized by cutting off pieces of…

割肉饲虎

gē ròu sì hǔ

This idiom literally means cutting off a piece of one's own flesh to feed a tiger. Figuratively, it …

歌莺舞燕

gē yíng wǔ yàn

The idiom describes singing as melodious as an oriole and dancing as graceful as a swallow. It conve…

根椽片瓦

gēn chuán piàn wǎ

Literally 'one rafter and one tile.' It refers to a simple, humble dwelling or the meager remnants o…

根结盘固

gēn jié pán gù

Describes relationships, power structures, or social connections that are deeply intertwined and ext…

根结盘据

gēn jié pán jù

Describes a foundation that is deeply entrenched and powerfully established, like roots tangled and …

根据盘互

gēn jù pán hù

This idiom describes people who seize and firmly hold onto power while colluding and supporting one …

根深蒂固

gēn shēn dì gù

Literally 'roots deep and base firm,' this idiom describes something with a deep and solid foundatio…

根株附丽

gēn zhū fù lì

A metaphor for attaching oneself to people of power and influence, like roots and stems clinging to …

更长梦短

gēng cháng mèng duǎn

The night watches drag on endlessly while dreams remain brief and easily broken. It describes a stat…

羹藜唅糗

gēng lí hán qiǔ

Refers to eating coarse, poor food made of wild greens and parched grain. It is used metaphorically …

更难仆数

gēng nán pú shù

Describes people or things so numerous that they cannot all be counted. It is equivalent to the idio…

更深夜静

gēng shēn yè jìng

The night watch has grown late and the night is utterly still. It describes a very late hour when th…

绠短汲深

gěng duǎn jí shēn

The rope is too short to reach the water in a deep well. It is a metaphor for having insufficient ab…

梗泛萍漂

gěng fàn píng piāo

A broken twig and floating duckweed drifting on the water. It is a metaphor for living a wandering, …

梗泛萍飘

gěng fàn píng piāo

This idiom compares a person's life to broken stems and duckweed drifting aimlessly on water. It viv…

梗顽不化

gěng wán bù huà

Describes someone who is extremely stubborn and completely resistant to being reformed or influenced…

功标青史

gōng biāo qīng shǐ

To have one's merits recorded in the annals of history. It refers to achieving great deeds worthy of…

功成不居

gōng chéng bù jū

To achieve success or merit but not claim the credit for oneself. The phrase originates from Daoist …

功成骨枯

gōng chéng gǔ kū

A metaphor for pursuing personal glory or profit at the cost of countless others' lives and sacrific…

攻城略地

gōng chéng lüè dì

Literally 'to attack cities and seize territory.' It describes military conquest and expansion of do…

功成身退

gōng chéng shēn tuì

To retire from public life or step down voluntarily after accomplishing great deeds. It embodies the…

功德无量

gōng dé wú liàng

Merit and virtue so great they cannot be measured. Historically used to describe immense contributio…

功德圆满

gōng dé yuán mǎn

Originally a Buddhist term referring to the completion of religious activities such as chanting sutr…

功名富贵

gōng míng fù guì

Refers to attaining high official rank and great wealth. It describes the worldly success of holding…

恭默守静

gōng mò shǒu jìng

To remain respectfully silent and maintain a quiet, composed demeanor. It describes someone who spea…

公平合理

gōng píng hé lǐ

Refers to handling matters in a fair and reasonable manner, being just and equitable in dealing with…

公平交易

gōng píng jiāo yì

A fair and reasonable business transaction where both parties deal on equal terms. It emphasizes hon…

躬先士卒

gōng xiān shì zú

Literally meaning to personally take the lead among soldiers. It is a metaphor for a leader setting …

恭行天罚

gōng xíng tiān fá

To respectfully carry out punishment on behalf of Heaven. In ancient times, it described a sovereign…

公正廉洁

gōng zhèng lián jié

This idiom describes someone who is fair and upright in handling affairs, honest and incorruptible i…

弓折刀尽

gōng zhé dāo jìn

A metaphor for having exhausted all combat power and resources, leaving no options remaining. It des…

公忠体国

gōng zhōng tǐ guó

To serve the nation with selfless devotion and unwavering loyalty. It describes a person who puts th…

孤犊触乳

gū dú chù rǔ

Originally, this idiom described how an only son, spoiled by excessive indulgence, grows arrogant an…

孤军深入

gū jūn shēn rù

An isolated army advances deep into enemy territory without reinforcement. It describes a force acti…

孤鸾寡鹄

gū luán guǎ hú

The lone phoenix (孤鸾) is a metaphor for a man who has lost his spouse, while the widowed swan (寡鹄) r…

孤立无助

gū lì wú zhù

Describes being alone and cut off, with no external assistance or support available. It conveys a vu…

沽名要誉

gū míng yào yù

It refers to using improper or deceptive means to fish for reputation and accolades one has not genu…

孤身只影

gū shēn zhī yǐng

Describes a person who is utterly alone, with no family or companions — so isolated that only their …

沽誉买直

gū yù mǎi zhí

To feign moral uprightness in order to gain fame and reputation. It describes someone who pretends t…

孤舟独桨

gū zhōu dú jiǎng

A metaphor for acting completely alone without anyone's help or support. It evokes the image of a so…

孤傲不群

gū ào bù qún

This idiom describes someone who is aloof, proud, and solitary by nature, making it difficult for th…

辜恩负义

gū ēn fù yì

To be ungrateful and betray those who have shown kindness. It describes someone who repays favors wi…

改步改玉

gǎi bù gǎi yù

In ancient Chinese ritual, the number of steps between the sacrificer and the ritual representative,…

改换门闾

gǎi huàn mén lǘ

To change one's family status and elevate its social standing. The phrase originally refers to impro…

改容易貌

gǎi róng yì mào

To change one's facial expression or physical appearance. It describes a visible shift in someone's …

改俗迁风

gǎi sú qiān fēng

To change and transform prevailing customs and social mores. It refers to reforming entrenched socie…

改往修来

gǎi wǎng xiū lái

To correct past mistakes and cultivate virtuous conduct for the days ahead. It emphasizes genuine se…

改弦易辙

gǎi xián yì zhé

To change the strings of an instrument and switch to a different road rut. It means to fundamentally…

改邪归正

gǎi xié guī zhèng

To abandon a wicked path and return to the right one. It means to stop doing bad deeds and start liv…

改行自新

gǎi xíng zìxīn

To change one's behavior and turn over a new leaf, becoming a better person. It describes someone wh…

改恶为善

gǎi è wéi shàn

To cease doing evil and turn toward goodness. It describes a person who reforms their ways and becom…

感慨系之

gǎn kǎi xì zhī

To be deeply moved and sigh with emotion. It describes a state where one's feelings are so stirred b…

敢勇当先

gǎn yǒng dāng xiān

To boldly take the lead and bear heavy responsibility, charging ahead of others. It describes someon…

槁项没齿

gǎo xiàng méi chǐ

Describes the haggard appearance of extreme old age, where the neck has grown shriveled and the teet…

槁形灰心

gǎo xíng huī xīn

This idiom describes a state of both physical decline and spiritual exhaustion. It portrays a person…

拱肩缩背

gǒng jān suō bèi

To raise the shoulders and hunch the back, describing a stooped, unhealthy posture. It typically dep…

拱手让人

gǒng shǒu ràng rén

To cup one's hands in a gesture of deference and surrender something to another person. It describes…

狗盗鼠窃

gǒu dào shǔ qiè

Literally 'dog-stealing and rat-pilfering,' referring to petty thieves who steal like dogs and mice.…

狗急跳墙

gǒu jí tiào qiáng

A desperate dog will jump over a wall. It is a metaphor describing how a bad person, when driven int…

苟全性命

gǒu quán xìng mìng

To barely preserve one's life, scraping by to survive in chaotic or difficult times. It conveys a hu…

狗续金貂

gǒu xù jīn diāo

Literally 'a dog continues the golden sable'—a dog's tail sewn onto the golden sable-tail ornament t…

狗追耗子

gǒu zhuī hào zǐ

Literally 'a dog chasing a rat.' It is a metaphor for meddling in affairs that are none of one's bus…

狗彘不若

gǒu zhì bù ruò

Zhì (彘) means pig. Literally 'not even comparable to dogs and pigs.' It describes a person whose mor…

狗彘不如

gǒu zhì bù rú

Describes a person whose moral character is so base and despicable that they are not even the equal …

苟安一隅

gǒu ān yī yú

To seek temporary peace in a small corner. It describes a ruler or government that avoids resisting …

古调不弹

gǔ diào bù tán

The ancient melody is no longer played. It metaphorically refers to something outdated that has fall…

鼓腹含哺

gǔ fù hán bǔ

Describes a life of carefree contentment in peaceful times, where people have plenty to eat and live…

鼓腹含和

gǔ fù hán hé

To have a full belly and live in harmony with others. It describes a state of peaceful prosperity an…

骨鲠之臣

gǔ gěng zhī chén

A "骨鲠之臣" is an upright and loyal official who dares to speak the truth candidly, even at personal ri…

骨鲠在喉

gǔ gěng zài hóu

Literally means having a fish bone stuck in one's throat. It metaphorically describes the discomfort…

鼓旗相当

gǔ qí xiāng dāng

Literally, two armies facing each other with drums and banners raised. Metaphorically, it describes …

骨软肉酥

gǔ ruǎn ròu sū

Describes a state where one's entire body feels weak and the limbs go limp and powerless. It is syno…

鼓衰力尽

gǔ shuāi lì jìn

The war drum sounds grow faint and strength is depleted. It describes the miserable state when a war…

古圣先贤

gǔ shèng xiān xián

The ancient sages and worthies—figures from antiquity revered for their supreme virtue, wisdom, tale…

鼓乐喧天

gǔ yuè xuān tiān

The sound of drums and music is so loud that it fills the sky. It describes a scene of extremely liv…

股掌之上

gǔ zhǎng zhī shàng

Literally 'upon the thigh and palm.' It is a metaphor for having someone or something completely wit…

怀柔天下

huai rou tian xia

The idiom describes a ruler using political skill and benevolence to win over the hearts of the peop…

画饼充饥

huà bǐng chōng jī

To draw a picture of a cake to satisfy one's hunger. Metaphorically, it refers to using empty promis…

画虎成狗

huà hǔ chéng gǒu

To try to paint a tiger but end up with something resembling a dog instead. It describes a failed im…

画龙点睛

huà lóng diǎn jīng

The finishing touch that brings a work to life. A critical detail that elevates something from good …

画水镂冰

huà shuǐ lòu bīng

Literally meaning to paint on water and carve on ice. It is a metaphor for effort that is entirely f…

画蛇添足

huà shé tiān zú

To ruin something by adding unnecessary details. Doing extra work that ends up making things worse i…

画蛇著足

huà shé zhuó zú

This idiom describes doing something superfluous that not only fails to add value but actually spoil…

华亭鹤唳

huà tíng hè lì

The crane calls of Huating, used as an allusion to a lost, carefree past. The idiom expresses deep n…

化为乌有

huà wéi wū yǒu

To vanish into nothing; to be reduced to naught. Describes hopes, possessions, or efforts that are c…

划一不二

huà yī bù èr

Originally it referred to selling goods at a fixed price without any discount. By extension, it desc…

坏法乱纪

huài fǎ luàn jì

To break the law and disrupt discipline or established order. It describes the act of undermining le…

焕然一新

huàn rán yī xīn

Describes something that has been completely renewed or transformed, taking on an entirely fresh and…

涣如冰释

huàn rú bīng shì

Like ice melting away; describes doubts, misunderstandings, or estrangements that completely dissolv…

华封三祝

huá fēng sān zhù

The three blessings that the people of Hua wished upon the legendary sage-king Yao: longevity, wealt…

华屋丘墟

huá wū qiū xū

Grand and magnificent buildings are reduced to earthen mounds and rubble. It metaphorically describe…

华星秋月

huá xīng qiū yuè

Like the clear and bright autumn moon, and the dazzling shining stars. It describes writing or liter…

怀璧其罪

huái bì qí zuì

Originally meant that possessing a precious jade could bring disaster upon an innocent person, imply…

怀宝迷邦

huái bǎo mí bāng

To possess talent and virtue yet refuse to step forward and serve one's country. It describes someon…

怀敌附远

huái dí fù yuǎn

To adopt a conciliatory policy toward enemies and win them over, while attracting distant peoples to…

怀黄佩紫

huái huáng pèi zǐ

To carry a gold official seal in one's bosom and wear a purple silk ribbon at the waist. It describe…

淮橘为枳

huái jú wéi zhǐ

Oranges grown south of the Huai River turn into bitter trifoliate oranges when transplanted north of…

槐南一梦

huái nán yī mēng

Life is like a dream, and the gains and losses of wealth and honor are transient and illusory. The i…

怀土之情

huái tǔ zhī qíng

A deep emotional longing for one's homeland or native place. It describes the natural attachment peo…

怀冤抱屈

huái yuān bào qū

To carry grievances and harbor a sense of injustice in one's heart. It describes someone who has bee…

怀质抱真

huái zhì bào zhēn

This idiom describes a person of pure and noble character who is plain and unadorned. It refers to m…

环堵萧然

huán dǔ xiāo rán

This idiom describes a dwelling so bare and empty that only four bare walls remain, conveying extrem…

潢池弄兵

huáng chí nòng bīng

Literally meaning 'playing with weapons in a shallow pond,' this idiom was historically a dismissive…

黄发骀背

huáng fā dài bèi

This idiom refers to elderly people of great longevity. '黄发' (yellow hair) describes the yellowish-w…

黄发台背

huáng fā tái bèi

Refers to elderly people of advanced age. 'Yellow hair' describes the phenomenon where a very old pe…

惶惶不安

huáng huáng bù ān

To feel deeply anxious and unsettled, unable to find peace of mind. It describes a state of inner fe…

黄河水清

huáng hé shuǐ qīng

The Yellow River is perennially muddy and turbid, so if its waters become clear, it is regarded as a…

黄卷幼妇

huáng juàn yòu fù

This idiom is a cryptic riddle (隐语) for the two characters "绝妙" (absolutely wonderful). In the riddl…

黄齑白饭

huáng jī bái fàn

Refers to coarse, simple, and unappetizing meals. It describes a diet of plain rice with pickled veg…

黄金时代

huáng jīn shí dài

Refers to the most precious and valuable period in a person's life, or the most prosperous era of a …

黄粱一梦

huáng liáng yī mèng

A metaphor for an illusory and unattainable dream. It describes vain fantasies and unrealistic aspir…

黄茅白苇

huáng máo bái wěi

A continuous stretch of yellow thatch grass or white reeds growing in unison. It describes a scene t…

黄雀伺蝉

huáng què sì chán

A metaphor for pursuing immediate gain while being blind to the greater danger closing in from behin…

黄天焦日

huáng tiān jiāo rì

An expression meaning broad daylight or the height of daytime. It is equivalent to 大天白日, describing …

黄童皓首

huáng tóng hào shǒu

This idiom refers to people of all ages, from young children to the elderly. The yellow-haired child…

黄杨厄闰

huáng yáng è rùn

Literally, the boxwood tree suffers in a leap year. According to old folklore, boxwood is slow-growi…

惠风和畅

huì fēng hé chàng

A soft, mild breeze that brings warmth and comfort. It describes pleasant weather that makes one fee…

贿赂并行

huì lù bìng xíng

Bribery and corruption are rampant and widespread. It describes a society or institution where offer…

诲人不倦

huì rén bù juàn

To teach others with tireless patience and never grow weary. It describes someone who is dedicated t…

会少离多

huì shǎo lí duō

Gatherings are few and partings are many. This idiom laments the impermanence of human reunions and …

回筹转策

huí chóu zhuǎn cè

To calculate and devise strategies; to plan and make strategic decisions. The phrase evokes the imag…

回嗔作喜

huí chēn zuò xǐ

To change from anger to happiness; to put aside one's wrath and become pleased. It describes a perso…

回干就湿

huí gān jiù shī

This idiom describes a mother's selfless devotion in raising her child. When a baby wets the bed, th…

回天乏术

huí tiān fá shù

The phrase means that a situation or an illness has become so grave that it can no longer be saved o…

回天运斗

huí tiān yùn dǒu

A metaphor for wielding supreme power to overturn the established order of heaven and earth, turning…

回心转意

huí xīn zhuǎn yì

To change one's mind and attitude, reconsidering and reversing a previous decision or intention. It …

豁达大度

huò dá dà dù

This idiom describes someone who is broad-minded, magnanimous, and tolerant of others. It characteri…

祸福无常

huò fú wú cháng

Fortune and misfortune follow no fixed pattern or rule. The phrase expresses the philosophical view …

祸福无门

huò fú wú mén

Disaster and fortune have no fixed door; they are not predetermined by fate. This idiom conveys that…

祸福之门

huò fú zhī mén

The gateway through which both calamity and blessing enter one's life. It refers to the source or or…

货贿公行

huò huì gōng xíng

This idiom describes a situation where bribery and corruption are carried out openly and without any…

祸结兵连

huò jié bīng lián

This idiom describes a state where warfare drags on without end, bringing endless calamity and suffe…

祸近池鱼

huò jìn shi yú

A metaphor for innocent people suffering harm as collateral damage. It describes a situation where s…

货赂公行

huò lù gōng xíng

Bribery carried out openly and without concealment. It describes a situation where people openly use…

豁然大悟

huò rán dà wù

This idiom describes a state of suddenly achieving thorough and complete understanding. It conveys t…

豁人耳目

huò rén ěr mù

To broaden one's horizons and refresh one's senses. It describes writing, scenery, or art that is ey…

祸在旦夕

huò zài dàn xī

Disaster is about to strike within a very short time. It describes an extremely perilous situation w…

活蹦活跳

huó bèng huó tiào

This idiom describes someone or something that is lively, energetic, and bouncing with vitality. It …

活龙活现

huó lóng huó xiàn

This idiom describes something depicted so vividly and lifelike that it feels as though one is seein…

花红柳绿

huā hóng liǔ lǜ

A vivid description of bright spring scenery with red flowers and green willows. It is also used mor…

花街柳陌

huā jiē liǔ mò

Refers to streets and alleys where brothels are concentrated, essentially a red-light district. In c…

花衢柳陌

huā qú liǔ mò

A street or district where brothels are concentrated; the red-light district. The phrase uses flower…

花容月貌

huā róng yuè mào

An idiom praising a woman's extraordinary beauty, comparing her face to a blooming flower and her lo…

花团锦簇

huā tuán jǐn cù

Describes a scene of brilliant, colorful splendor, as if flowers were gathered into clusters and bro…

花样新翻

huā yàng xīn fān

To invent new tricks or devise novel patterns; to create something original by putting a fresh spin …

欢迸乱跳

huān bèng luàn tiào

Describes someone who is extremely lively and joyful, bouncing and jumping with exuberant happiness.…

欢喜冤家

huān xǐ yuān jiā

This idiom describes a relationship where two people both love and resent each other at the same tim…

辉光日新

huī guāng rì xīn

It describes someone who continuously improves and renews themselves day by day in morality, learnin…

挥戈退日

huī gē tuì rì

To brandish a weapon and drive back the sun. It metaphorically describes someone with extraordinary …

挥汗如雨

huī hàn rú yǔ

Describes sweating profusely, as if rain were falling. Originally depicted the sweltering heat and t…

灰头土脸

huī tóu tǔ liǎn

Literally describes a face covered in dust and dirt, looking disheveled and unkempt. It is commonly …

灰心短气

huī xīn duǎn qì

To lose confidence and feel discouraged due to failure or setbacks. It describes a state of low spir…

恍然若失

huǎng rán ruò shī

To feel dazed as though one has lost something. It describes a state of mental unease and distractio…

恍如隔世

huǎng rú gé shì

This idiom describes the feeling that much time has passed or things have changed so dramatically th…

毁风败俗

huǐ fēng bài sú

This idiom refers to the act of ruining or corrupting good social customs and moral standards. It de…

悔过自新

huǐ guò zì xīn

To repent of one's past mistakes and resolve to start life anew. It describes someone who feels genu…

毁家纾国

huǐ jiā shū guó

To donate all of one's family wealth and property in order to help the nation overcome crisis or har…

火光烛天

huǒ guāng zhú tiān

The firelight illuminates the entire sky. It describes an extremely large and intense fire, most oft…

火尽薪传

huǒ jìn xīn chuán

Though the fire burns out, the firewood is passed on. A metaphor for ideas, scholarship, and skills …

火冒三丈

huǒ mào sān zhàng

Describes being angry to the extreme, as if flames were shooting up three zhang high. The idiom uses…

骇目惊心

hài mù jīng xīn

To see something so startling and dreadful that it shocks both one's eyes and one's heart. It descri…

害群之马

hài qún zhī mǎ

Literally 'a horse that harms the herd,' this idiom describes a person who brings trouble or damage …

骇心动目

hài xīn dòng mù

To be startled in the heart and shaken in the eyes; describing something so extraordinary or dramati…

汗出浃背

hàn chū jiā bèi

This idiom describes sweating profusely so that one's back is completely drenched. Originally it con…

汗流洽背

hàn liú qià bèi

Sweat flows and soaks the entire back. It originally described being extremely frightened or terrifi…

汗牛充栋

hàn niú chōng dòng

This idiom describes a collection of books so vast that transporting them makes the oxen sweat, and …

撼天震地

hàn tiān zhèn dì

To shake heaven and earth. Describes an overwhelming sound or a tremendous force and momentum. Used …

好丹非素

hào dān fēi sù

Literally meaning to love red while rejecting white, this idiom is a metaphor for holding prejudice …

好谋善断

hào móu shàn duàn

This idiom describes someone who enjoys deliberating and weighing options, and is adept at making so…

好生之德

hào shēng zhī dé

The virtue of cherishing and sparing life. It refers to a moral character that values all living bei…

含冰茹檗

hán bīng rú bò

This idiom describes living a life of extreme frugality and hardship while maintaining one's integri…

邯郸匍匐

hán dān pú fú

This idiom describes blindly imitating others to the point of losing one's own original abilities or…

寒风侵肌

hán fēng qīn jī

Describes weather so bitterly cold that the wind feels like it is piercing through the skin and into…

含垢纳污

hán gòu nà wū

To endure humiliation and tolerate slander with forbearance. It describes a person of great magnanim…

含垢匿瑕

hán gòu nì xiá

To tolerate dirt and conceal flaws. It describes a magnanimous and forgiving attitude, willing to ov…

寒耕热耘

hán gēng rè yùn

Literally "plowing in the cold and weeding in the heat," this idiom describes the year-round toil an…

寒泉之思

hán quán zhī sī

Refers to a child's deep longing and gratitude toward their mother. The phrase evokes the imagery of…

韩寿分香

hán shòu fēn xiāng

Refers to a man and woman secretly communicating their romantic feelings for each other. It alludes …

含商咀徵

hán shāng jǔ zhēng

To be deeply immersed in and savoring beautiful music. 'Shāng' and 'zhēng' are two notes of the anci…

含商咀征

hán shāng jǔ zhēng

To be deeply immersed in and savoring beautiful music. The characters 商 (shāng) and 征 (zhēng) denote…

含污忍垢

hán wū rěn gòu

To swallow filth and endure dirt — this idiom describes a person who silently bears humiliation, ins…

含笑九泉

hán xiào jiǔ quán

The 'Nine Springs' refers to the deep underworld, the traditional resting place of the dead in Chine…

含笑入地

hán xiào rù dì

To die with a smile on one's face, signifying death without regret. It describes someone who sacrifi…

含血喷人

hán xuè pēn rén

Literally meaning to hold blood in one's mouth and spit it at others. It is a metaphor for fabricati…

含辛茹苦

hán xīn rú kǔ

To endure all kinds of hardships and suffering. It describes someone who bears great difficulties pa…

含辛忍苦

hán xīn rěn kǔ

To endure hardship and suffering with patience and perseverance. It describes someone who bears all …

航海梯山

háng hǎi tī shān

To cross vast seas and scale high mountains. It describes undergoing an arduous and distant journey,…

毫不讳言

háo bù huì yán

To speak frankly and openly without any concealment or hesitation. It describes someone who is compl…

濠梁之上

háo liáng zhī shàng

This idiom refers to the bridge over the Hao River, site of a famous philosophical exchange. It desc…

嚎天动地

háo tiān dòng dì

To cry out loud enough to shake heaven and earth. It describes extreme grief or sorrow expressed thr…

嚎天喊地

háo tiān hǎn dì

To wail and cry loudly toward heaven and earth. It describes a state of extreme grief and anguish, w…

鹤骨龙筋

hè gǔ lóng jīn

Literally 'crane bones and dragon sinews,' this idiom describes something or someone that is slender…

赫赫扬扬

hè hè yáng yáng

This idiom describes something that is grand, glorious, and flourishing. It conveys a sense of dazzl…

鹤唳华亭

hè lì huá tíng

The idiom expresses nostalgic longing for the past and one's homeland. It also laments the perils of…

横祸非灾

hèng huò fēi zāi

This idiom refers to an unexpected and unprovoked calamity that strikes without cause or warning. It…

横征暴赋

hèng zhēng bào fù

To impose taxes arbitrarily and extort wealth from the people by force. It describes corrupt rulers …

横灾飞祸

hèng zāi fēi huò

This idiom refers to sudden and unexpected calamities that befall a person for no apparent reason. I…

河伯为患

hé bó wéi huàn

Refers to crooked and wicked customs or practices that cause harm to people. The phrase originates f…

河东狮子

hé dōng shī zi

An old term for a jealous and domineering wife. It derives from Su Shi's teasing of his friend Chen …

合胆同心

hé dǎn tóng xīn

To be of one heart and one mind, sharing both courage and purpose. It is equivalent to the idiom 同心同…

河汾门下

hé fén mén xià

Describes a renowned teacher's school that produces an abundance of outstanding disciples. Named aft…

和风丽日

hé fēng lì rì

Literally referring to a warm, gentle breeze and bright, sunny skies. It describes pleasant, fair we…

河梁携手

hé liáng xié shǒu

Holding hands at a river bridge, a poetic image of bidding farewell to a dear friend. It evokes the …

河目海口

hé mù hǎi kǒu

Eyes shaped long and flat like a river, and a mouth large and deep like the sea. Used to describe so…

合浦珠还

hé pǔ zhū huán

A metaphor for recovering something that was lost, or for a person returning after a long absence. I…

荷枪实弹

hé qiāng shí dàn

To carry a rifle with loaded ammunition; fully armed and ready for combat. The idiom describes someo…

河山带砺

hé shān dài lì

The Yellow River becomes as thin as a belt and Mount Tai as small as a whetstone. It is a metaphor f…

禾黍故宫

hé shǔ gù gōng

Describes a scene where the former palace grounds have become farmland overgrown with grain and mill…

河斜月落

hé xié yuè luò

This idiom describes the scene where the Milky Way has tilted and the moon is descending, signifying…

和颜悦色

hé yán yuè sè

A mild, pleasant, and joyful facial expression. It describes someone who is amiable, approachable, a…

合眼摸象

hé yǎn mō xiàng

To touch an elephant with one's eyes closed. It is a metaphor for acting blindly without a clear und…

横从穿贯

héng cóng chuān guàn

To achieve comprehensive mastery by connecting knowledge across all dimensions, like threads woven b…

横赋暴敛

héng fù bào liǎn

To impose tyrannical taxes and extort wealth from the people by violent means. It describes oppressi…

横拦竖挡

héng lán shù dǎng

This idiom means to obstruct or hinder someone from all directions and by every possible means. It c…

横眉瞪目

héng méi dèng mù

Describes an angry, intimidating expression with furrowed brows and glaring eyes, conveying a hostil…

横眉冷眼

héng méi lěng yǎn

Describes an appearance or expression of anger and contempt. It evokes the image of someone glaring …

横眉竖眼

héng méi shù yǎn

This idiom describes glaring at someone with raised eyebrows and fierce, wide-open eyes, conveying i…

横槊赋诗

héng shuò fù shī

Describes a person who composes poetry while holding a long spear crosswise, evoking the bold, heroi…

衡石程书

héng shí chéng shū

This idiom describes a monarch who is exceptionally diligent in attending to state affairs. It origi…

横拖倒扯

héng tuō dào chě

To drag and pull someone roughly in all directions without care for their person. It vividly describ…

横行天下

héng xíng tiān xià

To roam freely across the world without encountering any obstacle or opposition. It describes someon…

横行无忌

héng xíng wú jì

This idiom describes acting tyrannically and recklessly without any fear of consequences. It refers …

后进领袖

hòu jìn lǐng xiù

The most outstanding person among the younger generation. It refers to a junior who stands out as a …

厚貌深辞

hòu mào shēn cí

Outwardly appearing kind and honest, but with inner thoughts that are impossible to fathom. It descr…

后生小子

hòu shēng xiǎo zǐ

This idiom refers to young people or the younger generation, especially juniors in age or status. It…

鸿飞冥冥

hóng fēi míng míng

A wild goose flies off into the distant, dim sky. It metaphorically describes someone fleeing far aw…

鸿飞霜降

hóng fēi shuāng jiàng

Refers to the passage of time and the changing of seasons. When wild geese migrate south and frost b…

鸿毛泰岱

hóng máo tài dài

A metaphor for an extreme disparity in weight, value, or significance between two things. It likens …

红情绿意

hóng qíng lǜ yì

The phrase personifies the colors of spring, with red flowers expressing passion and green foliage c…

鸿儒硕学

hóng rú shuò xué

A great Confucian scholar with vast learning. It refers broadly to scholars of profound erudition an…

洪水横流

hóng shuǐ héng liú

Literally describes floodwaters overflowing their banks and spreading without restraint. Metaphorica…

红杏出墙

hóng xìng chū qiáng

Literally describes a branch of red apricot blossoms extending beyond a garden wall, symbolizing tha…

红颜薄命

hóng yán bó mìng

This idiom describes the belief that beautiful women often suffer unfortunate or tragic destinies. I…

红叶题诗

hóng yè tí shī

A Tang dynasty tale of a palace maid who wrote a poem on a red leaf and let it float down a palace s…

鸿爪雪泥

hóng zhǎo xuě ní

Literally 'a swan's claw prints on snow and mud.' It is a metaphor for the fleeting traces left behi…

鸿案鹿车

hóng àn lù chē

A metaphor for a married couple who mutually respect, care for, and support each other through both …

侯服玉食

hóu fú yù shí

To wear the garments of a marquis and eat jade-like delicacies. It describes a life of extraordinary…

猴头猴脑

hóu tóu hóu nǎo

Like a monkey in both head and brain; describing someone who is restless and fidgety, unable to sit …

怙才骄物

hù cái jiāo wù

To rely on one's own abilities and look down on others. It describes a person who, confident in thei…

户限为穿

hù xiàn wéi chuān

The threshold of the door is worn through from excessive foot traffic. It describes a place with an …

怙终不悛

hù zhōng bù quān

To persist in wrongdoing until the very end without any repentance, relying on one's power, protecti…

怙恶不悛

hù è bù quān

To persist in doing evil and stubbornly refuse to repent or reform. It describes someone who clings …

混混泇泇

hùn hùn chā kē

This idiom depicts water surging and flowing in a continuous, powerful torrent. By extension, it met…

湖光山色

hú guāng shān sè

The shimmering light on a lake and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. It describes a picturesq…

狐虎之威

hú hǔ zhī wēi

The intimidating authority produced when a fox and a tiger act in collusion with each other. It serv…

壶浆塞道

hú jiāng sāi dào

People carrying pots of wine and refreshments fill the roads, describing a scene where the populace …

鹘仑吞枣

hú lún tūn zǎo

To swallow a date whole without chewing it. It is a metaphor for learning or reading superficially, …

糊里糊涂

hú lǐ hú tú

Describes a person who is muddle-headed, confused, or unclear about what is going on. It refers to a…

壶里乾坤

hú lǐ qián kūn

A Daoist metaphor referring to a magical, carefree immortal world hidden inside a gourd or pot. It d…

狐朋狗党

hú péng gǒu dǎng

A derogatory term for a clique of disreputable, idle friends who only gather for eating, drinking, a…

鹘入鸦群

hú rù yā qún

Describes a warrior so fierce and unstoppable that they are like a falcon swooping into a flock of c…

胡思乱量

hú sī luàn liàng

A variant of 胡思乱想. It refers to thinking without any basis or engaging in unrealistic, groundless sp…

狐死首丘

hú sǐ shǒu qiū

When a fox is about to die, legend says it turns its head toward the hill where it was born. The idi…

胡天胡帝

hú tiān hú dì

Originally used to describe clothing and bearing so beautiful and dignified that one wonders 'what h…

鹄形菜色

hú xíng cài sè

Describes someone who is emaciated and sallow-faced from hunger or hardship. 'Swan shape' refers to …

胡越一家

hú yuè yī jiā

A metaphor for people from distant and disparate lands gathered together in one place, as though the…

魂不附体

hún bù fù tǐ

The soul has detached from the body. It describes a state of extreme terror or losing one's composur…

魂颠梦倒

hún diān mèng dǎo

An expression meaning to be utterly disoriented and lost in a daze, akin to '神魂颠倒'. It describes a p…

魂飞胆破

hún fēi dǎn pò

Describes being utterly terrified, with one's soul flying away and courage shattered. It is equivale…

魂飞魄越

hún fēi pò yuè

Describes a state of extreme terror and fright, where one feels as though their very soul has flown …

魂飞神丧

hún fēi shén sàng

This idiom describes being utterly terrified and frightened to the extreme. It conveys the vivid ima…

浑浑沌沌

hún hún dùn dùn

Describes a state of being confused, muddled, or unclear. It conveys a sense of being dazed and unab…

浑金白玉

hún jīn bái yù

A metaphor for natural, unadorned beauty and intrinsic quality. It is most often used to describe a …

浑沦吞枣

hún lún tūn zǎo

To swallow a date whole, without chewing. It is used metaphorically for accepting ideas, knowledge, …

浑身是胆

hún shēn shì dǎn

Literally 'the whole body is courage.' It describes someone who is exceptionally brave and completel…

浑俗和光

hún sú hé guāng

To blend in with ordinary society and conceal one's brilliance, living without showing off or compet…

酣歌恒舞

hān gē héng wǔ

To sing and dance without restraint, indulging in music and pleasure to excess. It describes a state…

酣歌醉舞

hān gē zuì wǔ

Describes indulging in uninhibited singing and dancing while wallowing in sensual pleasures and diss…

酣嬉淋漓

hān xī lín lí

Describes unrestrained and exuberant merrymaking or play carried to the utmost degree. It also refer…

黑白混淆

hēi bái hùn xiáo

To deliberately confuse black and white, calling the black white and the white black. It is a metaph…

黑漆皮灯

hēi qī pí dēng

A lamp coated in black lacquer that blocks out all light. It is used metaphorically to describe some…

黑言诳语

hēi yán kuáng yǔ

A phrase meaning to speak deceptive nonsense or utter baseless lies. It refers to making groundless …

烘云讬月

hōng yún zhì yuè

A metaphor for indirectly highlighting the main subject by rendering the surrounding elements. It or…

呼群结党

hū qún jié dǎng

To call upon and gather followers to form a clique or faction. It describes people who recruit accom…

呼天号地

hū tiān hào dì

This idiom literally means crying out to heaven and wailing to the earth. It describes someone in ex…

呼天叩地

hū tiān kòu dì

To cry out to heaven and strike the ground with one's head. It describes a state of extreme grief an…

呼天钥地

hū tiān yào dì

This idiom describes crying out to heaven and earth in desperation, seeking help or expressing extre…

昏昏浩浩

hūn hūn hào hào

The idiom describes a state that is hazy, obscure, and boundlessly vast. It evokes an impression of …

昏镜重明

hūn jìng chóng míng

To polish a dim bronze mirror until it becomes bright again. It is a metaphor for regaining clarity,…

昏头晕脑

hūn tóu yūn nǎo

This idiom describes a state of being dizzy and lightheaded, with one's head spinning in confusion. …

海沸山裂

hǎi fèi shān liè

The seas boil and mountains split apart. A vivid metaphor describing an event or force of overwhelmi…

海阔天空

hǎi kuò tiān kōng

Describes something vast, boundless, and without limit — like the open sea and endless sky. It often…

海桑陵谷

hǎi sāng líng gǔ

The ocean becomes a mulberry field and mountains turn into deep valleys — a metaphor for tremendous …

喊冤叫屈

hǎn yuān jiào qū

To cry out about being wronged and protest one's innocence. It describes someone loudly complaining …

好好先生

hǎo hǎo xiān shēng

A person who avoids conflict at all costs and tries to keep the peace with everyone, never offering …

好梦难圆

hǎo mèng nán yuán

This idiom means that good things or cherished wishes are hard to realize, just as a beautiful dream…

好肉剜疮

hǎo ròu wān chuāng

This idiom means to deliberately create problems where none exist, or to make trouble for oneself. I…

好善恶恶

hǎo shàn wù è

好善恶恶 means to love and uphold what is good while detesting and rejecting what is evil. It describes …

好语如珠

hǎo yǔ rú zhū

Fine phrases and brilliant remarks are as numerous as pearls strung together. It describes writing o…

好语似珠

hǎo yǔ sì zhū

Refers to an abundance of brilliant and memorable phrases in poetry and prose. The metaphor compares…

虎超龙骧

hǔ chāo lóng xiāng

A metaphor for heroes and warlords rising up and competing fiercely with one another. It evokes the …

虎党狐侪

hǔ dǎng hú chái

Literally 'tiger parties and fox companions.' It refers to associates who are both fierce and cunnin…

虎落平阳

hǔ luò píng yáng

A tiger leaves its mountain stronghold and descends to a flat plain, where it loses its advantage. I…

虎入羊群

hǔ rù yáng qún

A tiger charging into a flock of sheep. It is a metaphor for a powerful force descending upon the we…

虎头蛇尾

hǔ tóu shé wěi

Describes a situation, effort, or endeavor that begins with great energy and ambition but ends weakl…

虎啸风生

hǔ xiào fēng shēng

When a fierce tiger roars, strong winds arise. It is a metaphor for a heroic figure emerging in resp…

嫁祸于人

jià huò yú rén

To shift one's own misfortune or blame onto another person. The idiom describes the act of making so…

驾鹤成仙

jià hè chéng xiān

A poetic euphemism for death, likening the deceased to someone who has ridden a crane to the heavens…

驾鹤西游

jià hè xī yóu

A euphemism for dying or passing away. The imagery evokes a person riding a crane to journey to the …

架海金梁

jià hǎi jīn liáng

A golden bridge spanning the sea. This idiom describes a person of exceptional talent and capability…

驾肩接武

jià jiān jiē wǔ

Shoulders pressing together and footsteps following one another in close succession. It describes a …

价廉物美

jià lián wù měi

The price is low and the quality is good. It describes products or services that offer excellent val…

驾轻就熟

jià qīng jiù shú

To do something with ease because one is experienced and familiar with it. It describes the confiden…

驾雾腾云

jià wù téng yún

Originally referring to legendary immortals or sorcerers who could fly through the sky riding clouds…

箭拔弩张

jiàn bá nǔ zhāng

This idiom describes a situation that is extremely tense and on the verge of erupting, like a bowstr…

间不容发

jiàn bù róng fà

The gap is so narrow that it cannot accommodate even a single strand of hair. It is a metaphor for b…

见多识广

jiàn duō shí guǎng

Having seen much and experienced widely, thus possessing broad knowledge. It describes someone with …

见风使船

jiàn fēng shǐ chuán

A metaphor for adapting one's actions based on the prevailing situation or following others' cues. I…

见风使舵

jiàn fēng shǐ duò

Literally meaning to watch the wind direction and adjust the rudder accordingly. It is a metaphor fo…

建功立事

jiàn gōng lì shì

To establish meritorious deeds and accomplish great undertakings. It is synonymous with 建功立业 (establ…

见机行事

jiàn jī xíng shì

To act according to circumstances and judge what to do based on the situation at hand. It emphasizes…

见几而作

jiàn jī ér zuò

This idiom means to act promptly upon detecting the slightest sign or omen of change. The character …

见精识精

jiàn jīng shí jīng

Describes someone who grasps things immediately upon seeing them, being exceptionally perceptive and…

见哭兴悲

jiàn kū xīng bēi

Seeing others weep stirs up one's own sadness. It describes the natural emotional response of empath…

鉴貌辨色

jiàn mào biàn sè

To observe someone's facial expression and adjust one's behavior accordingly. It describes the skill…

见弃于人

jiàn qì yǔ rén

To be abandoned or forsaken by others. The phrase describes someone who has been cast aside or deser…

见事生风

jiàn shì shēng fēng

Describes a person who, upon encountering any situation, immediately stirs up trouble or makes a dra…

见世生苗

jiàn shì shēng miáo

Literally meaning 'to see seedlings sprout before one's eyes,' this idiom describes a situation wher…

剑树刀山

jiàn shù dāo shān

A Buddhist depiction of hell's torments, where the condemned climb trees of swords and mountains of …

见兔放鹰

jiàn tù fàng yīng

Literally 'on seeing a hare, release the hawk.' It means taking prompt, decisive action the moment a…

践土食毛

jiàn tǔ shí máo

Literally 'treading on the soil and eating its produce,' this idiom refers to living under a ruler's…

见贤思齐

jiàn xián sī qí

When you see someone of virtue and talent, you should strive to emulate them and reach their level. …

见异思迁

jiàn yì sī qiān

To be fickle; changing one's mind or desires constantly upon seeing new things. Lack of steadfastnes…

见智见仁

jiàn zhì jiàn rén

Different people will have different perspectives on the same matter, depending on their own standpo…

谏争如流

jiàn zhēng rú liú

Describes someone who offers frank remonstrance and candid advice in an unceasing, eloquent torrent,…

降心顺俗

jiàng xīn shùn sú

To lower one's aspirations and conform to prevailing vulgar customs. It describes someone who abando…

降志辱身

jiàng zhì rǔ shēn

To lower one's aspirations and demean one's own status, typically by compromising principles to ming…

较短量长

jiào duǎn liáng cháng

To compare the short and long, meaning to evaluate the relative merits and demerits of things or peo…

戛然而止

jiá rán ér zhǐ

This idiom describes a sound that comes to an abrupt halt, as if cut off mid-note. It is often used …

颊上三毫

jiá shàng sān háo

A metaphor for the crucial detail that brings a painting or literary work to life by capturing its e…

戛玉敲冰

jiá yù qiāo bīng

Literally 'striking jade and knocking ice,' this idiom describes a sound that is rhythmic, resonant,…

借面吊丧

jiè miàn diào sāng

Describes a person who is all appearance and no substance—someone whose dignified or impressive exte…

借身报仇

jiè shēn bào chóu

To risk one's life to help someone avenge a grievance. It describes the spirit of self-sacrifice and…

捷报频传

jié bào pín chuán

Victory reports keep coming in one after another. It describes a situation where good news of succes…

截断众流

jié duàn zhòng liú

Literally meaning 'to cut off all streams,' this idiom describes insight so profound and far-reachin…

劫富济贫

jié fù jì pín

To take wealth from the rich and use it to help the poor. It describes an act of vigilante justice o…

羯鼓催花

jié gǔ cuī huā

This idiom literally means playing the Jie drum to hasten the blooming of flowers. It originates fro…

竭尽全力

jié jìn quán lì

To do everything in one's power and spare no effort in pursuing a goal. It conveys the idea of givin…

洁己从公

jié jǐ cóng gōng

To keep oneself clean and honest while devotedly serving the public good. It emphasizes personal int…

桀犬吠尧

jié quǎn fèi yáo

The dog of Jie (a tyrant king of the Xia dynasty) barks ferociously at Yao (a legendary sage king). …

洁清自矢

jié qīng zì shǐ

To vow to maintain one's own integrity and moral purity. It describes a person who pledges to keep t…

诘屈磝碻

jié qū bìng zhòu

Describes language or speech that is stiff, harsh-sounding, and extremely difficult to understand. T…

诘屈謷牙

jié qū dà yá

Describes writing that is obscure, awkward, and difficult to read smoothly. It refers to prose that …

洁身自好

jié shēn zì hào

To keep oneself pure and uncorrupted, refusing to go along with corrupt or immoral people. It can al…

桀贪骜诈

jié tān ào zhà

This idiom describes a person who is fierce and cruel, greedy for gain, arrogant in bearing, and dec…

桀傲不恭

jié ào bù gōng

Fierce, stubborn, and arrogant, refusing to submit or show respect. It describes a defiant and haugh…

桀敖不驯

jié áo bù xùn

This idiom describes someone who is fierce, stubborn, and arrogantly disobedient, refusing to submit…

旧病复发

jiù bìng fù fā

The recurrence of an old illness or ailment. By extension, it also refers to an old bad habit, vice,…

旧调重弹

jiù diào chóng tán

To rehash the same old ideas or arguments without any innovation. It describes someone who keeps bri…

就地正法

jiù dì zhèng fǎ

To execute a criminal on the very spot where the crime was committed, bypassing the usual lengthy ju…

救火拯溺

jiù huǒ zhěng nì

To urgently rescue those trapped in desperate or life-threatening situations. It vividly describes r…

救燎助薪

jiù liáo zhù xīn

A metaphor for taking the wrong approach to a problem, which not only fails to solve it but actually…

旧态复萌

jiù tài fù méng

Refers to old habits, temperaments, or faults re-emerging after having been suppressed or corrected.…

家传户颂

jiā chuán hù sòng

Passed down and praised in every household. It describes works, teachings, or stories so widely popu…

家常便饭

jiā cháng biàn fàn

Literally refers to the simple, everyday meals served at home. Figuratively, it describes something …

家道小康

jiā dào xiǎo kāng

This idiom describes a family whose financial situation is moderately comfortable. It indicates that…

家翻宅乱

jiā fān zhái luàn

Describes a household thrown into complete turmoil and uproar, with family members quarreling or mak…

家反宅乱

jiā fǎn zhái luàn

Describes a household thrown into chaos and uproar, with family members shouting and arguing. It con…

家给人足

jiā jǐ rén zú

Every household has ample food and clothing, and every person lives in comfort and prosperity. It de…

夹枪带棒

jiā qiāng dài bàng

Refers to speech that conceals sarcasm or veiled criticism behind seemingly ordinary words. The idio…

加油添醋

jiā yóu tiān cù

To embellish or exaggerate a story by adding fabricated details that were not in the original accoun…

家喻户晓

jiā yù hù xiǎo

Known by every household; widely known and universally recognized. It describes something—often news…

家至户到

jiā zhì hù dào

It means to reach or spread to every single household, leaving no home untouched. The idiom describe…

加枝添叶

jiā zhī tiān yè

To embellish a story or account by adding details that were not originally present. It describes som…

佳儿佳妇

jiā ér jiā fù

Refers to a good son and a good daughter-in-law. Used to praise virtuous, harmonious young married c…

坚不可摧

jiān bù kě cuī

Describes something so solid and strong that it absolutely cannot be broken, crushed, or destroyed. …

间不容缕

jiān bù róng lǚ

This idiom describes a situation so perilous that disaster is separated by less than the width of a …

兼包并畜

jiān bāo bìng chù

To embrace and retain things of different content and nature at the same time. It describes an inclu…

兼程前进

jiān chéng qián jìn

To travel at double pace, covering two days' journey in one day. It figuratively describes hastening…

坚定不移

jiān dìng bù yí

To be rock-solid and unwavering in one's stance, belief, or determination. It describes a person who…

蒹葭伊人

jiān jiā yī rén

This idiom refers to someone one deeply longs for and seeks but has never been able to meet. It conv…

坚甲利兵

jiān jiǎ lì bīng

Sturdy armor and sharp weapons. It describes a well-equipped and elite military force. The phrase co…

艰苦奋斗

jiān kǔ fèn dòu

To work hard and endure severe difficulties in order to achieve a goal. It emphasizes persevering th…

监临自盗

jiān lín zì dào

This idiom refers to an official who steals public property that they are personally responsible for…

肩摩袂接

jiān mó mèi jiē

Shoulders rubbing against each other and sleeves touching one another. It describes a scene where pe…

肩摩踵接

jiān mó zhǒng jiē

Shoulders rub together and heels follow one another in close succession. It describes a place so cro…

坚强不屈

jiān qiáng bù qū

To be firm and resolute, refusing to yield or submit under pressure. It describes an unyielding char…

兼人之勇

jiān rén zhī yǒng

Courage that equals or exceeds that of several men; exceptional bravery surpassing ordinary people. …

兼容并蓄

jiān róng bìng xù

To accept and absorb things of different types or natures without discrimination. It advocates being…

坚如盘石

jiān rú pán shí

As solid as a large boulder. Used as a metaphor for something unshakable, immovable, or steadfast in…

兼收并蓄

jiān shōu bìng xù

To accept and incorporate things of various kinds without discrimination, absorbing diverse elements…

兼收博采

jiān shōu bó cǎi

To gather and adopt from a wide range of sources without discrimination. It describes an inclusive a…

尖酸刻薄

jiān suān kè bó

Speaking in a cutting and sarcastic manner while treating others coldly and unkindly. It describes s…

歼一警百

jiān yī jǐng bǎi

To execute one person as a warning to many others. It describes a disciplinary strategy of making a …

坚执不从

jiān zhí bù cóng

To stubbornly insist on one's own position and refuse to listen to others' advice. It describes some…

将本求利

jiāng běn qiú lì

To use one's capital or principal to seek profit. It describes the basic business principle of inves…

将功赎罪

jiāng gōng shú zuì

To use one's achievements or contributions to make up for a past mistake or crime. It describes the …

将功折罪

jiāng gōng zhé zuì

To use one's merits or achievements to atone for one's past faults or offenses. The phrase implies t…

江郎才尽

jiāng láng cái jìn

Originally referring to the Southern Dynasties poet Jiang Yan, who lost his literary talent in his l…

僵李代桃

jiāng lǐ dài táo

A metaphor for taking the blame or punishment meant for someone else, or substituting one thing for …

将勤补拙

jiāng qín bǔ zhuō

To compensate for one's lack of natural ability through hard work and diligence. It expresses the id…

江山如画

jiāng shān rú huà

The mountains and rivers are as beautiful as a painting. It describes natural scenery so magnificent…

将无作有

jiāng wú zuò yǒu

To treat something that does not exist as if it were real; to fabricate a falsehood or make up a sto…

将虾钓鳖

jiāng xiā diào biē

Literally meaning 'using a shrimp to catch a soft-shelled turtle,' this idiom is a metaphor for taki…

将心比心

jiāng xīn bǐ xīn

To put oneself in another person's position and consider things from their perspective. It encourage…

江淹梦笔

jiāng yān mèng bǐ

Based on the legend of Jiang Yan of the Southern Liang dynasty, who dreamed of returning a five-colo…

交口同声

jiāo kǒu tóng shēng

Describes a situation where many people speak with one voice, unanimously expressing the same opinio…

交口赞誉

jiāo kǒu zàn yù

To praise someone unanimously and simultaneously. It describes a situation where many people speak i…

娇鸾雏凤

jiāo luán chú fèng

This idiom literally refers to young luan and phoenix birds. It is used as a metaphor for youthful l…

骄奢淫佚

jiāo shē yín yì

Describes a lifestyle that is wildly extravagant and morally dissolute. It conveys someone who indul…

骄奢淫逸

jiāo shē yín yì

Refers to the four vices of arrogance, extravagance, licentiousness, and idleness. It describes a de…

骄奢淫泆

jiāo shē yín yí

Describes a life of reckless indulgence in luxury, extravagance, and debauchery without restraint. I…

娇声娇气

jiāo shēng jiāo qì

Describes someone speaking in an affectedly sweet, coquettish, or pampered tone, often with a drawli…

焦思苦虑

jiāo sī kǔ lǜ

To worry anxiously and think hard about a problem. It describes a state of deep concern coupled with…

交头接耳

jiāo tóu jiē ěr

To put one's head close to another's and speak into their ear; to whisper privately together. It des…

娇小玲珑

jiāo xiǎo líng lóng

This idiom describes someone or something that is small, delicate, and cleverly cute in appearance. …

皆大欢喜

jiē dà huān xǐ

An idiom describing a situation in which everyone involved is fully satisfied and delighted. It conv…

街坊邻里

jiē fāng lín lǐ

This idiom refers to one's neighbors—the people who live in close proximity to one's home. It descri…

嗟悔无及

jiē huǐ wú jí

To sigh with regret when it is already too late to remedy the situation. It describes the helpless r…

街头巷底

jiē tóu xiàng dǐ

Refers to all the streets and alleys of a town or city. It describes every corner of a populated are…

街头巷尾

jiē tóu xiàng wěi

It refers to all the streets and alleys of a town or city. The phrase is used to describe places eve…

接踵而至

jiē zhǒng ér zhì

People arrive one after another in continuous succession, each person's heels following close behind…

接二连三

jiē èr lián sān

One after another, in continuous succession. It describes events or people arriving repeatedly witho…

解甲倒戈

jiě jiǎ dǎo gē

This idiom describes enemy soldiers laying down their armor and weapons to surrender, then turning a…

解甲归田

jiě jiǎ guī tián

To take off one's armor and return to farming. It refers to a soldier retiring from military service…

甲第连云

jiǎ dì lián yún

Describes the towering, luxurious mansions of nobles and wealthy elites that seem to touch the cloud…

假力于人

jiǎ lì yú rén

To accomplish a task by relying on or borrowing the strength and resources of others rather than one…

减师半德

jiǎn shī bàn dé

To have learned only half of what one's teacher knows. It describes a student who falls short of the…

简贤任能

jiǎn xián rèn néng

To carefully choose virtuous and talented individuals and place them in positions where their abilit…

俭以养廉

jiǎn yǐ yǎng lián

Living frugally helps cultivate personal integrity and moral uprightness. The idea is that by keepin…

蹇之匪躬

jiǎn zhī fěi gōng

To remonstrate with the ruler loyally and forthrightly for the sake of the state, without regard for…

脚不沾地

jiǎo bù zhān dì

Describes walking or running so fast that one's feet barely seem to touch the ground. It conveys a s…

脚高步低

jiǎo gāo bù dī

Describes walking unsteadily, swaying and stumbling with an uneven gait. It portrays someone whose f…

搅海翻江

jiǎo hǎi fān jiāng

Literally stirring up the seas and overturning the rivers. It is a metaphor for tremendous power, mo…

矫情饰貌

jiǎo qíng shì mào

To conceal one's true feelings and put on a false outward appearance. It describes someone who disse…

矫尾厉角

jiǎo wěi lì jiǎo

Describes someone swaggering and eager to show off, like a beast raising its tail and sharpening its…

挢枉过正

jiǎo wǎng guò zhèng

This idiom means correcting a deviation or error but going beyond the necessary limit, overshooting …

矫枉过直

jiǎo wǎng guò zhí

To overcorrect an error so much that one goes beyond the proper limit, creating a new problem in the…

脚心朝天

jiǎo xīn cháo tiān

A folk euphemism for death. When a person dies and is laid flat on their back, the soles of their fe…

迥然不同

jiǒng rán bù tóng

Completely different; differing vastly in nature, appearance, or quality. The term emphasizes a star…

酒池肉林

jiǔ chí ròu lín

Literally a pool of wine and a forest of meat. It describes an extravagantly decadent and hedonistic…

久怀慕蔺

jiǔ huái mù lìn

To long cherish admiration for someone in one's heart. It metaphorically describes a deep, earnest y…

九行八业

jiǔ háng bā yè

Refers to all kinds of trades and professions. The numbers 'nine' and 'eight' are used figuratively …

九阍虎豹

jiǔ hūn hǔ bào

A metaphor for cruel and tyrannical powerful ministers. The idiom evokes the image of fierce tigers …

久假不归

jiǔ jiǎ bù guī

Originally from Mencius, describing someone who borrows the name of benevolence and righteousness wi…

九流三教

jiǔ liú sān jiào

A general term for the various schools of religion and academic thought. It also refers to people fr…

九年之储

jiǔ nián zhī chǔ

A reserve supply sufficient for nine years. It refers to a nation maintaining substantial reserves d…

九牛一毫

jiǔ niú yī háo

A single hair from nine oxen. It describes something extremely small and insignificant compared to a…

酒肉朋友

jiǔ ròu péng yǒu

A fair-weather friend who only associates with you for eating, drinking, and pleasure rather than ge…

酒入舌出

jiǔ rù shé chū

Describes a person who becomes talkative and chatty after drinking alcohol. It vividly depicts how w…

酒酸不售

jiǔ suān bù shòu

Literally, the wine has turned sour yet still cannot be sold. Originally it was a metaphor for wicke…

酒瓮饭囊

jiǔ wèng fàn náng

A metaphor for a worthless person who only eats and drinks but has no real ability or talent. Like i…

九蒸三熯

jiǔ zhēng sān shēng

The idiom literally describes something being steamed nine times and dried over fire three times. It…

九州四海

jiǔ zhōu sì hǎi

This idiom refers to the entire world or all of China. It uses the classical division of China into …

酒足饭饱

jiǔ zú fàn bǎo

Having drunk one's fill of wine and eaten one's fill of food. It describes being fully satisfied aft…

九宗七祖

jiǔ zōng qī zǔ

Literally 'nine lineages and seven ancestors,' this idiom is a general, collective reference to one'…

圈牢养物

juàn láo yǎng wù

Literally refers to livestock kept and raised in pens or enclosures, cared for only so they may be u…

倦尾赤色

juàn wěi chì sè

A metaphor for extreme hardship and exhaustion. It derives from the observation that when a bream fi…

卷帙浩繁

juàn zhì hào fán

卷帙 refers to books or their chapters and volumes. The idiom describes a situation where there is a g…

决不待时

jué bù dài shí

In feudal China, condemned prisoners were normally executed after autumn, following the belief that …

绝长继短

jué cháng jì duǎn

To take from what is in excess and use it to supplement what is lacking. It is a metaphor for using …

绝路逢生

jué lù féng shēng

To find a way to survive when in the most desperate and dangerous situation. It describes the moment…

绝伦逸群

jué lún yì qún

Describes a person whose talent, ability, or character is so extraordinary that they stand far above…

嚼墨喷纸

jué mò pēn zhǐ

Originally a legend about an immortal who could chew ink and spit it onto paper to form meaningful w…

抉目悬门

jué mù xuán mén

This idiom refers to a loyal minister being put to death due to slanderous accusations. It originate…

绝其本根

jué qí běn gēn

To eliminate something at its very root, ensuring it cannot regrow or resurge. The metaphor comes fr…

决胜千里

jué shèng qiān lǐ

To determine victory from a thousand miles away. It describes a commander or strategist of great tal…

绝圣弃智

jué shèng qì zhì

To abandon cleverness and intellect and return to a state of natural simplicity. Rooted in Daoist ph…

绝世佳人

jué shì jiā rén

A woman of peerless beauty, unparalleled in her time. The phrase describes the most beautiful woman …

掘室求鼠

jué shì qiú shǔ

This idiom describes tearing down one's own house just to catch a mouse. It is a metaphor for shorts…

抉瑕摘衅

jué xiá zhāi xìn

To deliberately and meticulously search for faults, blemishes, or weaknesses in someone or something…

捐本逐末

juān běn zhú mò

To abandon the fundamentals and chase after trivialities. It describes neglecting what is essential …

涓滴归公

juān dī guī gōng

Juān dī means tiny drops of water, metaphorically referring to even the smallest amounts. The idiom …

涓滴之劳

juān dī zhī láo

A metaphor for an extremely small or insignificant contribution or merit. The phrase draws on the im…

镌骨铭心

juān gǔ míng xīn

To engrave something deeply into one's bones and inscribe it on one's heart, meaning to remember it …

捐金抵璧

juān jīn dǐ bì

To cast away gold and discard jade, meaning to show no attachment to material wealth or rare treasur…

捐躯殉国

juān qù xùn guó

To sacrifice one's life for the sake of the nation. It describes the act of giving up one's life in …

镌心铭骨

juān xīn míng gǔ

Describes something engraved on the heart and carved into the bone, conveying a profound and lasting…

卷土重来

juǎn tǔ chóng lái

To stage a comeback after a defeat; to rally one's forces and return with renewed strength. It descr…

季布一诺

jì bù yī nuò

Ji Bu was a historical figure renowned for always keeping his word and never breaking a promise. The…

计出无聊

jì chū wú liáo

Describes a scheme or plan born out of desperation, when one has no other viable options. It conveys…

骥伏盐车

jì fú yán chē

A fine steed forced to pull a salt cart. It describes a person of great talent and ability who is tr…

稷蜂社鼠

jì fēng shè shǔ

A metaphor for people who commit evil deeds while relying on the protection of powerful patrons. Jus…

计功程劳

jì gōng chéng láo

To calculate and assess one's merits and labor. It refers to the systematic evaluation and tallying …

计功量罪

jì gōng liàng zuì

To comprehensively assess and weigh both someone's achievements and their offenses in order to reach…

计功受爵

jì gōng shòu jué

To assess someone's contributions and grant them a noble title or rank accordingly. The character 受 …

继继绳绳

jì jì mǐn mǐn

This idiom describes an unbroken chain of succession or inheritance, where traditions, culture, or l…

计穷智短

jì qióng zhì duǎn

Describes a state where one has exhausted all strategies and lacks the wit to devise new ones. It co…

纪群之交

jì qún zhī jiāo

A friendship spanning generations, referring to the close relationship between fathers and sons acro…

计然之策

jì rán zhī cè

A general term for the way to make money and prosper. It refers to strategies and principles for gro…

寄人篱下

jì rén lí xià

Literally meaning to live under someone else's fence, this idiom is a metaphor for depending on othe…

计上心来

jì shàng xīn lái

A plan or stratagem suddenly comes to mind. It describes the moment when someone, often after some d…

济世匡时

jì shì kuāng shí

To rescue and benefit the world while rectifying the political and social ills of one's era. It desc…

济世安民

jì shì ān mín

To bring good governance and stability to the nation so that the common people can live in peace and…

计无复之

jì wú fù zhī

To have no further plan or strategy left; to be out of options. It describes a situation where one h…

计无所出

jì wú suǒ chū

To be unable to devise any plan or solution; to be completely at a loss for ideas. It describes a si…

计无由出

jì wú yóu chū

This idiom means being unable to think of any solution or plan. It describes a state where someone i…

寄兴寓情

jì xìng yù qíng

To entrust and embody one's interests, moods, and feelings within a work of art or writing. It descr…

计勋行赏

jì xūn xíng shǎng

To bestow rewards according to the size of one's contributions or achievements. It emphasizes reward…

寄雁传书

jì yàn chuán shū

To send letters or messages across great distances, originally by entrusting them to migrating wild …

进谗害贤

jìn chán hài xián

To slander someone with malicious words and thereby harm a good or capable person. The idiom describ…

进道若踡

jìn dào ruò quán

The path of true advancement may appear like retreating. It expresses the Daoist philosophical idea …

进德修业

jìn dè xiū yè

To improve one's moral character while expanding one's accomplishments and career. It describes the …

进德脩业

jìn dé xiū yè

This idiom refers to the dual pursuit of improving one's moral character and building one's career o…

进俯退俯

jìn fǔ tuì fǔ

This idiom describes a lack of uniformity in movement, where people advancing and retreating are out…

进可替不

jìn kě tì bù

This idiom refers to presenting sound policies and constructive advice to a ruler in order to replac…

禁情割欲

jìn qíng gē yù

To restrain one's emotions and curb one's desires through self-discipline. It describes the act of c…

噤若寒蝉

jìn ruò hán chán

Literally 'silent as a winter cicada.' It describes someone who stays completely silent out of fear …

进荣退辱

jìn róng tuì rǔ

An attitude that regards promotion in officialdom as an honor and demotion as a humiliation. It refl…

进退触篱

jìn tuì chù lí

Advancing or retreating both leads to hitting a fence. It describes being caught in a dilemma where …

进退狐疑

jìn tuì hú yí

This idiom describes being caught between advancing and retreating, feeling hesitant and unable to r…

进退失据

jìn tuì shī jù

To have lost one's basis for advancing or retreating. It describes a situation where one has nowhere…

进退亡据

jìn tuì wáng jù

Having no basis or support whether advancing or retreating. It describes being unable to find a plac…

进退无门

jìn tuì wú mén

To have no way forward and no door to retreat through. It describes being trapped in an extremely di…

进退消长

jìn tuì xiāo cháng

This idiom refers to the increase and decrease, growth and decline of things — essentially the ebb a…

进退应矩

jìn tuì yīng jǔ

This idiom describes behaving in a manner where every step forward or backward adheres to proper rul…

进退有常

jìn tuì yǒu cháng

Advancing and retreating both follow a fixed pattern or law. It describes acting with discipline, pr…

进退有度

jìn tuì yǒu dù

To advance and retreat with proper measure and restraint. It describes someone whose every action is…

进退有节

jìn tuì yǒu jié

One's actions, whether advancing or retreating, conform to proper measure and propriety. It describe…

禁网疏阔

jìn wǎng shū kuò

This idiom describes laws and prohibitions that are too loose and lenient. It uses the metaphor of a…

进贤黜奸

jìn xián chù jiān

To promote talented and morally upright individuals while dismissing corrupt and villainous official…

进贤退愚

jìn xián tuì yú

To promote the virtuous and capable while dismissing the foolish and incompetent. It describes a gov…

进贤兴功

jìn xián xīng gōng

To recommend and promote virtuous, capable people and those who have made meritorious contributions.…

近乡情怯

jìn xiāng qíng qiè

Describes the complex, uneasy feelings of a traveler returning home after a long absence. The closer…

镜花水月

jìng huā shuǐ yuè

Flowers reflected in a mirror and the moon reflected in water. Originally referring to an elusive, e…

竞今疏古

jìng jīng shū gǔ

To value the modern while neglecting the ancient; to chase after contemporary trends and disregard c…

敬老慈幼

jìng lǎo cí yòu

To respect the elderly and care for the young. It describes a virtuous attitude of honoring senior c…

敬老尊贤

jìng lǎo zūn xián

To respect the elderly and honor those of virtue and talent. It expresses a moral attitude of valuin…

敬若神明

jìng ruò shén míng

To revere someone as if they were a deity. It describes worshipping or adoring a person or thing to …

敬上爱下

jìng shàng ài xià

To respect those above oneself and care for those below. It describes treating others with courtesy,…

敬授民时

jìng shòu mín shí

To reverently bestow the calendar upon the common people so they understand the changing of seasons …

靖言庸回

jìng yán yōng huí

To speak agreeably but act contrary to one's words, essentially being two-faced in word and deed. It…

疾病相扶

jí bìng xiāng fú

Neighbors and community members help and care for one another during times of sickness or trouble. I…

极本穷源

jí běn qióng yuán

To thoroughly investigate and trace something back to its ultimate origin or root cause. It emphasiz…

急杵捣心

jí chǔ dǎo xīn

Describes a feeling of being startled and profoundly uneasy, as though one's heart is being rapidly …

疾风迅雷

jí fēng xùn léi

Describes events that occur and unfold as violently and swiftly as a fierce wind and sudden thunder.…

急功近利

jí gōng jìn lì

To be impatient for success and focused on immediate gains. It describes someone who rushes for quic…

急功近名

jí gōng jìn míng

Eager to achieve quick success while chasing superficial reputation. It describes someone who priori…

汲汲皇皇

jí jí huáng huáng

This idiom describes a state of being anxious, hurried, and restless. It conveys a sense of urgent u…

亟疾苛察

jí jí kē chá

Refers to behavior or governance that is excessively harsh, severe, and overly meticulous in scrutin…

极口项斯

jí kǒu xiàng sī

To praise someone profusely and everywhere one goes. It describes enthusiastically recommending or b…

急吏缓民

jí lì huǎn mín

A governance principle advocating that those in power should be held to rigorous standards and disci…

极情尽致

jí qíng jìn zhì

To express the charm, interest, and emotional quality of something to the fullest extent. It describ…

瘠人肥己

jí rén féi jǐ

To be stingy and miserly toward others while enriching oneself. The idiom uses 'thin' (瘠) as a metap…

吉日良辰

jí rì liáng chén

An auspicious day and a favorable hour; a propitious time. It is commonly used to describe a perfect…

嫉贪如雠

jí tān rú chóu

To hate greed and corruption as fiercely as one would hate a personal enemy. It describes someone wi…

吉网罗钳

jí wǎng luó qián

A metaphor for cruel officials colluding to frame innocent people and fabricate false charges. It de…

极武穷兵

jí wǔ qióng bīng

To abuse military power and exhaust one's armed forces through endless warfare. It describes a ruler…

即小见大

jí xiǎo jiàn dà

From small things one can perceive great truths. It describes the ability to grasp grand principles …

疾言遽色

jí yán jù sè

Describes speaking with a harsh, impatient tone and agitated facial expression. It characterizes how…

疾言厉色

jí yán lì sè

To speak in a rapid, agitated manner with a harsh and stern facial expression. It describes the angr…

急于事功

jí yú shì gōng

Being overly eager to accomplish tasks and achieve quick results. It describes someone who rushes to…

急于星火

jí yú xīng huǒ

Like a shooting star flashing swiftly across the sky. It describes a situation that is extremely urg…

汲引忘疲

jí yǐn wàng pí

This idiom describes recommending and promoting talented individuals with such tireless dedication t…

极智穷思

jí zhì qióng sī

To use up all of one's wisdom and intellectual effort in deep contemplation. It describes the act of…

急竹繁丝

jí zhú fán sī

This idiom describes a lively scene where various musical instruments are playing simultaneously, cr…

急中生智

jí zhōng shēng zhì

To suddenly come up with a clever idea or solution in a moment of urgency or crisis. It describes th…

疾恶若雠

jí è ruò chóu

To detest evil and wrongdoing as one would detest a personal enemy. It describes a person of strong …

踞虎盘龙

jù hǔ pán lóng

Describes terrain that is strategically imposing and majestically beautiful, like a crouching tiger …

屦贱踊贵

jù jiàn yǒng guì

Originally describing a situation where so many people had their feet amputated as punishment that o…

拒狼进虎

jù láng jìn hǔ

A metaphor for getting rid of one harm only to have another take its place. It describes the futile …

据图刎首

jù tú wěn shǒu

A metaphor for pursuing unattained gains at the cost of one's own life. It warns against chasing wor…

聚蚊成雷

jù wén chéng léi

When many mosquitoes gather together, their buzzing sounds like thunder. It is a metaphor for how nu…

钜学鸿生

jù xué hóng shēng

A person of profound and extensive learning; a great scholar. The term describes someone whose schol…

据义履方

jù yì lǚ fāng

To conduct oneself according to righteous principles and upright ways. It describes someone who grou…

局促不安

jú cù bù ān

Describes someone who is fidgety, awkward, and ill at ease in manner, feeling nervous and uneasy bec…

局高蹐厚

jú gāo guǎ hòu

Describes a person who lives in constant fear and extreme caution, as if cramped under a vast sky an…

菊老荷枯

jú lǎo hé kū

Chrysanthemums fade and lotuses wither, a metaphor for a woman whose youthful beauty has faded with …

帡天极地

jú tiān jí dì

All-encompassing: covering heaven above and extending to the edge of the earth, describing something…

击鞭锤镫

jī biān chuí dèng

To whip one's horse and pound the stirrups, urging it to gallop at full speed. The idiom describes a…

饥不择食

jī bù zé shí

When one is starving, one will eat whatever is available without being picky. The idiom is used meta…

击钵催诗

jī bō cuī shī

Literally means striking a bowl to urge someone to compose a poem within a time limit. It metaphoric…

鸡肠狗肚

jī cháng gǒu dù

A metaphor for a narrow mind and a vicious heart. It describes someone who is petty, intolerant, and…

积德累善

jī dé lěi shàn

To accumulate virtue and good deeds over time. It describes the practice of consistently performing …

霁风朗月

jī fēng lǎng yuè

Literally referring to a gentle breeze after rain and a bright, clear moon. Metaphorically it descri…

跻峰造极

jī fēng zào jí

Literally to climb to the very summit of a mountain. Metaphorically, it describes reaching the absol…

积简充栋

jī jiǎn chōng dòng

Books and bamboo scrolls pile up until they fill the house. It describes an abundance of writings or…

积劳成疾

jī láo chéng jí

To fall ill as a direct result of prolonged, accumulated overwork and fatigue. It describes a condit…

鸡零狗碎

jī líng gǒu suì

Describes things as trivial, fragmented, and lacking any coherent system or structure. It is used fo…

鸡鸣起舞

jī míng qǐ wǔ

Describes the heroic spirit of someone with great ambition who rises at the cock's crow to diligentl…

积年累岁

jī nián lěi suì

Literally 'accumulating years and piling up years,' this idiom describes something that has continue…

击排冒没

jī pái mào mò

This idiom describes aggressively attacking and rejecting others in a reckless and impulsive manner,…

鸡犬不惊

jī quǎn bù jīng

Literally meaning 'not even chickens and dogs are startled,' this idiom describes strict military di…

鸡犬不宁

jī quǎn bù níng

Describes a situation of great turmoil and disturbance where not even chickens and dogs can remain a…

鸡犬桑麻

jī quǎn sāng má

Describes the quiet, idyllic life of a countryside village. The four items—chickens, dogs, mulberry …

饥驱叩门

jī qū kòu mén

To be driven by hunger to knock on someone's door begging for food. It describes the plight of being…

积日累岁

jī rì lěi suì

Literally meaning "accumulating days and piling up years," this idiom describes the passage of a lon…

积善成德

jī shàn chéng dé

Accumulating good deeds over time leads to the formation of noble moral character. It expresses the …

积沙成塔

jī shā chéng tǎ

Accumulate grains of sand to build a tower. It means that small amounts gathered over time can add u…

鸡鹜争食

jī wù zhēng shí

Chickens and ducks fighting over food. A metaphor for petty, mediocre people competing with one anot…

积羞成怒

jī xiū chéng nù

Similar to the idiom 恼羞成怒 (turn shame into rage). It describes someone who, having been driven to th…

积习难除

jī xí nán chú

Long-standing habits accumulated over time are extremely difficult to eliminate or change. It descri…

积薪候燎

jī xīn hòu liáo

A metaphor for courting one's own destruction. It depicts someone who recklessly creates the very co…

激扬清浊

jī yáng qīng zhuó

To stir up and wash away foul water, allowing clean water to rise to the surface. Metaphorically, it…

稽疑送难

jī yí sòng nán

This idiom refers to the act of investigating points of doubt and resolving difficulties. It describ…

积忧成疾

jī yōu chéng jí

Prolonged anxiety and worry eventually lead to physical illness. It describes how excessive emotiona…

赍志以殁

jī zhì yǐ mò

To die while still harboring unfulfilled ambitions. It conveys the tragic sense of a person passing …

击中要害

jī zhòng yào hài

要害 refers to a vital or vulnerable spot that can be fatal. The idiom means to strike the most critic…

击钟陈鼎

jī zhōng chén dǐng

Zhong refers to ancient musical bells and ding to ancient cooking cauldrons. The idiom depicts noble…

箕帚之使

jī zhǒu zhī shǐ

A humble euphemism for one's own wife, literally meaning 'the servant of the dustpan and broom.' It …

金镳玉络

jīn biāo yù luò

Originally referring to ornate horse tack made of gold and jade used on fine steeds. Metaphorically,…

金镳玉辔

jīn biāo yù pèi

Refers to ornate horse tackle made of gold and jade, used as luxurious riding equipment. By extensio…

金碧辉煌

jīn bì huī huáng

Describes buildings or structures decorated magnificently with gold and emerald-green pigments, dazz…

金钗换酒

jīn chāi huàn jiǔ

To trade one's golden hairpin for wine. It describes a state of poverty and destitution where one ha…

金丹换骨

jīn dān huàn gǔ

This idiom metaphorically describes a poet or artist reaching a profound state of sudden enlightenme…

巾帼须眉

jīn guó xū méi

A woman who possesses the courage, spirit, and heroic qualities traditionally associated with men. I…

巾帼英雄

jīn guó yīng xióng

巾帼 refers to the head ornaments and hair accessories worn by women in ancient times, and by extensio…

金光盖地

jīn guāng gài dì

A metaphor for the overwhelming and corrupting power of money. It suggests that wealth, like golden …

金闺国士

jīn guī guó shì

Refers to outstanding and distinguished scholars serving at the imperial court. The term combines '金…

矜功伐善

jīn gōng fá shàn

To boast of one's own achievements and abilities; to show off one's merits and good qualities. It de…

襟怀洒落

jīn huái sǎ luò

Having an open and magnanimous mind, being frank and aboveboard. It describes someone whose heart is…

金壶墨汁

jīn hú mò zhī

Refers to extraordinarily precious and rare calligraphy or painting materials. By extension, it deno…

金鸡独立

jīn jī dú lì

Literally depicting a golden rooster standing on one leg, this idiom describes a martial arts postur…

斤斤计较

jīn jīn jì jiào

斤斤 originally describes keen, clear-sighted observation, and by extension came to mean trivial and p…

金精玉液

jīn jīng yù yè

An old term for a legendary elixir of immortality. It also refers to a precious or exquisite beverag…

金口御言

jīn kǒu yù yán

Originally referring to the words of an emperor, which were considered sacred and irrevocable. It no…

金迷纸碎

jīn mí zhǐ suì

This idiom describes the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle of the exploiting class. It evokes imag…

矜能负才

jīn néng fù cái

To boast of one's abilities and pride oneself on one's talents. It describes a person who is arrogan…

筋疲力倦

jīn pí lì juàn

This idiom describes a state of being completely physically exhausted, where one's muscles are tired…

金人缄口

jīn rén jiān kǒu

A bronze figure with its mouth sealed shut, symbolizing extreme caution in speech. It describes some…

金人之箴

jīn rén zhī zhēn

A metaphor for keeping silent out of caution or concern about the consequences of speaking. It descr…

金石之坚

jīn shí zhī jiān

As hard as metal and stone. It describes something extremely hard, solid, or unyielding. Often used …

金声玉润

jīn shēng yù rùn

Gold refers to a bell and jade refers to a chime stone. It is a metaphor for writing that is elegant…

金台市骏

jīn tái shì jùn

Literally 'buying fine horses at the Golden Terrace.' It alludes to paying a high price to obtain a …

金题玉躞

jīn tí yù xiè

This idiom describes exquisitely decorated books, calligraphy, or paintings. "金题" refers to titles w…

金童玉女

jīn tóng yù nǚ

Originally referring to the boy and girl attendants who served immortals in Taoist mythology. Now us…

金吾不禁

jīn wú bù jìn

The Jinwu was the official responsible for guarding the capital city during the Qin and Han dynastie…

金屋娇娘

jīn wū jiāo niáng

This idiom refers to a noble and beautiful woman, often one cherished in luxurious surroundings. The…

金相玉质

jīn xiàng yù zhì

This idiom uses gold and jade as metaphors for beauty and excellence. It describes writings whose fo…

金玉其质

jīn yù qí zhì

One's inner nature and character are as noble and pure as gold and jade. It describes a person of ou…

金针见血

jīn zhēn jiàn xuè

A variant of the more common 一针见血, this idiom describes speech or writing that is brief yet cuts str…

金枝玉叶

jīn zhī yù yè

This idiom metaphorically refers to people of noble or royal birth, especially princesses and other …

精贯白日

jīng guàn bái rì

Describes the utmost sincerity and loyalty so intense that one's pure spirit seems to shine through …

经国大业

jīng guó dà yè

Refers to the governance of a nation as a grand and noble enterprise. In its original context, it es…

精耕细作

jīng gēng xì zuò

Literally means meticulous and careful cultivation of land in agriculture. By extension, it describe…

惊惶失措

jīng huáng shī cuò

To be so frightened that one loses all composure and does not know what to do. It describes a state …

惊慌失色

jīng huāng shī sè

To be so terrified and panicked that one's face turns pale or loses its normal complexion. It descri…

惊慌无措

jīng huāng wú cuò

To panic and suddenly not know what to do. It describes a state where fear or shock leaves someone a…

惊魂夺魄

jīng hún duó pò

Describes something that profoundly shocks or deeply moves a person, as if their very soul and spiri…

惊魂摄魄

jīng hún shè pò

To profoundly shock and deeply affect someone, as if their very soul and spirit have been seized. It…

惊魂失魄

jīng hún shī pò

To be frightened out of one's wits; to lose one's soul and spirit from great shock. It describes a s…

惊魂未定

jīng hún wèi dìng

This idiom describes a state where one's mind has not yet calmed down after being frightened. It con…

兢兢翼翼

jīng jīng yì yì

Describes being extremely cautious and diligent in one's work and conduct. It conveys a sense of car…

经明行修

jīng míng xíng xiū

An old term referring to someone who is well-versed in the Confucian classics and whose personal con…

惊群动众

jīng qún dòng zhòng

To alarm and mobilize a large number of people for a task. It implies making an unnecessary commotio…

泾清渭浊

jīng qīng wèi zhuó

The Jing River runs clear while the Wei River runs muddy. It is a metaphor for the obvious contrast …

精锐之师

jīng ruì zhī shī

An elite, well-equipped military force with strong combat capability. It refers to a crack unit of s…

惊神破胆

jīng shén pò dǎn

Describes a state of extreme terror or fright, so intense that it shakes one's very spirit and feels…

惊天动地

jīng tiān dòng dì

An idiom describing something of tremendous impact, scale, or intensity — literally earth-shattering…

惊心怵目

jīng xīn chù mù

This idiom describes feeling deeply shocked and alarmed upon seeing something. It conveys a strong v…

惊心吊胆

jīng xīn diào dǎn

Describes a state of extreme fear or nervous anxiety where one is constantly on edge. The heart race…

惊喜若狂

jīng xǐ ruò kuáng

Describes a state of being both astonished and overjoyed to the point of being unable to contain one…

精益求精

jīng yì qiú jīng

To constantly strive for perfection and never be satisfied with the current level of quality. It des…

惊愕失色

jīng è shī sè

To turn pale from shock or terror. Describes someone so frightened or astonished that their face dra…

居不重茵

jū bù chóng yīn

Literally, one does not use two layers of mats or cushions where one sits and rests. It is a metapho…

拘挛补衲

jū luán bǔ nà

Literally pulling and stretching fabric to patch it together. It is a metaphor for writing that over…

居利思义

jū lì sī yì

When obtaining profit or advantage, one should first consider whether it accords with righteousness …

居仁由义

jū rén yóu yì

This Confucian idiom describes a person whose inner character is rooted in benevolence (仁) and whose…

拘神遣将

jū shén qiǎn jiàng

To possess the supernatural power to summon deities and command heavenly generals. It describes some…

拘文牵义

jū wén qiān yì

To be overly rigid about the literal meaning of words and texts. It describes a pedantic mindset tha…

军法从事

jūn fǎ cóng shì

To deal with someone strictly according to military law. It implies imposing severe, uncompromising …

皲手茧足

jūn shǒu jiǎn zú

Hands cracked from cold and feet covered in calluses. It describes someone who exerts themselves to …

君子三戒

jūn zǐ sān jiè

The gentleman has three prohibitions to observe throughout life. In youth he guards against lust; in…

己溺己饥

jǐ nì jǐ jī

To regard the suffering of the people as one's own doing and the alleviation of their pain as one's …

进寸退尺

jǐn cùn tuì chǐ

To advance an inch but retreat a foot. It metaphorically means gaining little while losing much, des…

尽多尽少

jǐn duō jǐn shǎo

To give or return as much as one possibly can, whether the amount is large or small. It implies doin…

俠多俠少

jǐn duō jǐn shǎo

A dialectal expression meaning to give or use everything one has, regardless of whether it amounts t…

紧打慢敲

jǐn dǎ màn qiāo

A metaphor for using various methods to urge or press someone into action. It combines intense press…

锦囊佳制

jǐn náng jiā zhì

An elegant expression referring to beautifully crafted poetic compositions. The phrase evokes the im…

锦篇绣帙

jǐn piān xiù zhì

This idiom refers to beautifully written and elegantly presented literary works. It uses the imagery…

锦天绣地

jǐn tiān xiù dì

This idiom describes an environment or setting decorated so gorgeously that it seems as though broca…

锦绣河山

jǐn xiù hé shān

Describes the magnificent, beautiful, and ornate scenery of one's homeland or a great country. It co…

锦心绣肠

jǐn xīn xiù cháng

This idiom describes someone with a brilliant and elegant mind, whose literary talent is as beautifu…

锦营花阵

jǐn yíng huā zhèn

A metaphor for places of romantic pleasure, particularly brothels and entertainment quarters. The ph…

井底之蛙

jǐng dǐ zhī wā

A person with a narrow worldview who thinks they know everything, unaware of the vast world outside.

井然有序

jǐng rán yǒu xù

Describes things arranged in neat, orderly fashion with clear sequence and logic. The term conveys a…

景入桑榆

jǐng rù sāng yú

A metaphor for the twilight years of life, when one is advancing into old age. The image evokes the …

景星庆云

jǐng xīng qìng yún

A metaphor for an auspicious omen or favorable sign. 景星 (the bright star) is a star that appears dur…

井中视星

jǐng zhōng shì xīng

Looking at stars from the bottom of a well. It is a metaphor for a narrow, limited perspective and s…

咀嚼英华

jǔ jué yīng huá

Literally meaning to chew and savor the finest blossoms, this idiom metaphorically describes careful…

举目千里

jǔ mù qiān lǐ

Literally 'raising the eyes to see a thousand li.' It describes a vast, far-reaching field of vision…

举手相庆

jǔ shǒu xiāng qìng

To raise one's hand to one's forehead in mutual celebration. It expresses the shared joy and congrat…

举一反三

jǔ yī fǎn sān

To deduce many things from one case; to draw inferences about other cases from one fact. It describe…

跨凤乘鸾

kuà fèng chéng luán

The idiom depicts a husband and wife each riding a divine phoenix-like bird. It metaphorically descr…

旷古奇闻

kuàng gǔ qí wén

An extraordinary and bizarre event unprecedented in all of recorded history. It describes something …

狂风暴雨

kuáng fēng bào yǔ

A violent windstorm with torrential rain. Metaphorically, it describes a fierce, overwhelming force …

狂涛骇浪

kuáng tāo hài làng

Literally describing violent, frightening waves on the sea, this idiom figuratively refers to violen…

溃兵游勇

kuì bīng yóu yǒng

Refers to soldiers who have been defeated in battle and scattered, wandering about without organizat…

喟然长叹

kuì rán cháng tàn

To sigh deeply out of strong emotion such as grief, regret, or admiration. The idiom describes someo…

愧天怍人

kuì tiān zuò rén

To feel ashamed before both Heaven and one's fellow human beings. It describes a person who has done…

揆文奋武

kuí wén fèn wǔ

To implement civil education while invigorating military affairs. It describes a balanced approach t…

魁梧奇伟

kuí wǔ qí wěi

Describing someone who is tall, strongly built, and imposing in stature. The idiom conveys an impres…

阔步高谈

kuò bù gāo tán

Describes walking with bold, confident strides while speaking freely and loudly. It metaphorically r…

阔论高谈

kuò lùn gāo tán

To talk at great length in a lofty, expansive manner, often without addressing concrete realities. I…

夸父追日

kuā fù zhuī rì

An ancient Chinese myth about the giant Kua Fu who chased the sun but died of thirst before catching…

夸夸而谈

kuā kuā ér tán

Describes someone who speaks in an exaggerated, grandiose manner that is detached from practical rea…

姱容修态

kuā róng xiū tài

Describes a person—traditionally a woman—who possesses both beautiful physical appearance and refine…

宽大为怀

kuān dà wéi huái

To treat others with a generous and forgiving heart. It describes someone who is lenient and magnani…

宽宏大度

kuān hóng dà dù

Describes a person of great magnanimity who can tolerate and forgive others. It emphasizes a generou…

匡鼎解颐

kuāng dǐng jiě yí

To explain something so clearly and delightfully that listeners cannot help but smile with joy. It o…

匡时济世

kuāng shí jì shì

To rectify the troubled times and rescue the world from turmoil. It describes the noble ambition of …

窥见一斑

kuī jiàn yī bān

To catch a glimpse of only a small part of something, gaining a fragmentary or partial understanding…

款学寡闻

kuǎn xué guǎ wén

This idiom describes a person whose scholarship is shallow and whose knowledge is limited. It convey…

看菜吃饭

kàn cài chī fàn

A metaphor for handling affairs according to specific circumstances. Just as one eats based on what …

看杀卫玠

kàn shā wèi jiè

Wei Jie was looked to death. A metaphor for a person so admired and worshipped by the public that th…

看朱成碧

kàn zhū chéng bì

The literal meaning is 'seeing red as green.' It describes a state where one's vision becomes blurre…

克逮克容

kè dǎi kè róng

This idiom describes someone who is both amiable and broad-minded in their dealings with others. The…

刻骨铭心

kè gǔ míng xīn

Describes something, usually gratitude, love, or a painful experience, that is so deeply felt it see…

刻苦耐劳

kè kǔ nài láo

Being able to endure hardship and withstand heavy toil. It describes someone who works diligently an…

恪守成宪

kè shǒu chéng xiàn

To strictly abide by established laws and regulations without any flexibility. It describes a conser…

刻意经营

kè yì jīng yíng

To deliberately devote great effort and careful thought to planning and managing something. It descr…

刻意求工

kè yì qiú gōng

To painstakingly pursue exquisite craftsmanship or perfection in writing, art, or any creative work.…

课语讹言

kè yǔ é yán

To talk too much and spread false or misleading words. It describes someone who is garrulous and pro…

刻舟求剑

kè zhōu qiú jiàn

To stubbornly hold onto outdated methods or ideas, ignoring that circumstances have changed.

课嘴撩牙

kè zuǐ liáo yá

To be glib-tongued and wag one's lips and teeth in clever or witty talk. The character 课 is used int…

控名责实

kòng míng zé shí

To hold names accountable to reality; to examine whether someone's reputation matches their actual a…

扣壶长吟

kòu hú cháng yín

Describes the act of rhythmically striking a vessel while chanting verses to give voice to one's lof…

扣人心弦

kòu rén xīn xián

The character 扣 means to strike or knock. This idiom describes something deeply moving and thrilling…

叩石垦壤

kòu shí kěn rǎng

To strike rocks and break ground. It describes the physical act of breaking through hard earth and s…

困兽犹斗

kùn shòu yóu dòu

A cornered beast will still put up a desperate fight. It is used metaphorically to describe someone …

困心衡虑

kùn xīn héng lǜ

The mind is distressed and thoughts are obstructed, describing a state of exhaustive and painful con…

开国承家

kāi guó chéng jiā

To establish a nation and found a noble household with hereditary domain. It refers to the ancient p…

开国功臣

kāi guó gōng chén

A meritorious minister who founded a nation or dynasty. It refers to those who made outstanding cont…

开国元勋

kāi guó yuán xūn

A founding father who rendered exceptional service in establishing a new nation or dynasty. It refer…

开怀畅饮

kāi huán chàng yǐn

To open one's heart and drink freely, without any restraint or inhibition. The idiom describes a sta…

开口见胆

kāi kǒu jiàn dǎn

This idiom describes someone who speaks with complete frankness and directness, concealing nothing. …

开路先锋

kāi lù xiān fēng

Originally referring to the military officer who led the vanguard to clear the path and fight at the…

开门见山

kāi mén jiàn shān

Literally 'to open the door and see the mountain,' this idiom means to come straight to the point wi…

开源节流

kāi yuán jié liú

Literally 'open up the source and regulate the flow,' this idiom means to increase income and reduce…

慷慨输将

kāng kǎi shū jiāng

To donate money or resources generously and without hesitation, especially to help society or the pu…

颗粒无收

kē lì wú shōu

Literally not a single grain is harvested. It describes a total crop failure, typically caused by dr…

科头跣足

kē tóu xiǎn zú

To be bareheaded and barefoot. It describes someone who is not wearing a hat or shoes, appearing unk…

坑家败业

kēng jiā bài yè

To ruin one's family and squander its fortune, leading to the decline of a household. It describes a…

铿金霏玉

kēng jīn fēi yù

Describes writing or speech with a resonant, melodious rhythm that is extraordinary and exceptional.…

可乘之隙

kě chéng zhī xì

A vulnerability or opening that can be exploited by an opponent. It refers to a weakness, loophole, …

渴者易饮

kě zhě yì yǐn

A thirsty person finds any drink sweet. In classical usage, it metaphorically describes how people w…

空谷幽兰

kōng gǔ yōu lán

An exquisite orchid growing in a secluded mountain valley, symbolizing something rare and precious. …

空谷足音

kōng gǔ zú yīn

The sound of footsteps heard in a deserted valley. A metaphor for something extremely rare and preci…

刳肝沥胆

kū gān lì dǎn

A metaphor for baring one's heart and soul to show complete sincerity and loyalty. It describes some…

枯木逢春

kū mù féng chūn

To find new life or opportunity after a period of decline. A second chance at success.

枯木发荣

kū mù fā róng

A withered tree puts forth new growth and flourishes again. It metaphorically describes something th…

枯木生花

kū mù shēng huā

Dead wood blooms with flowers. It metaphorically describes finding hope or survival in a desperate s…

枯蓬断草

kū péng duàn cǎo

Literally referring to dry, broken tumbleweed grass that scatters wherever the wind carries it. The …

枯鱼衔索

kū yú xián suǒ

A dried fish strung on a rope, waiting to rot or be eaten by worms. The idiom describes something wh…

枯鱼之肆

kū yú zhī sì

The idiom literally means 'a shop that sells dried fish.' It is used as a metaphor for a desperate, …

枯燥无味

kū zào wú wèi

Describes something that is dull, monotonous, and completely lacking in interest or appeal. It conve…

埳井之蛙

kǎn jǐng zhī wā

A frog living in a ruined or abandoned well. It is a metaphor for a person of limited knowledge and …

坎坷不平

kǎn kě bù píng

The idiom describes a road full of pits and hollows that is rough and hard to travel. Figuratively, …

孔席不暖

kǒng xí bù nuǎn

The idiom depicts Confucius rushing from place to place to promote his doctrine, never staying anywh…

口出不逊

kǒu chū bù xùn

To speak in an immodest, disrespectful, or insolent manner. It describes someone whose words are rud…

口口声声

kǒu kǒu shēng shēng

Describes someone saying something repeatedly or constantly. It often implies that a person keeps ma…

口口相传

kǒu kǒu xiāng chuán

To pass information, stories, or teachings from person to person by word of mouth, without committin…

口若悬河

kǒu ruò xuán hé

Describes someone who speaks with great eloquence and fluency, as if water were pouring endlessly fr…

口说无凭

kǒu shuō wú píng

Verbal statements alone are not sufficient evidence. It means that spoken words cannot be trusted as…

口中蚤虱

kǒu zhōng zǎo shī

Like a louse in one's mouth — a metaphor for an enemy so weak and exposed that it can be destroyed e…

口诛笔伐

kǒu zhū bǐ fá

To condemn and denounce someone or something both verbally and in writing. It implies a thorough, pu…

口燥唇干

kǒu zào chún gān

Describes a state where one's mouth and lips have become dry from talking excessively or arguing at …

口耳相传

kǒu ěr xiāng chuán

To pass down knowledge or information orally from one person to another, without written records. It…

苦尽甘来

kǔ jìn gān lái

After enduring hardships, good times finally come. It describes the moment when suffering gives way …

苦尽甜来

kǔ jìn tián lái

Bitter hardship finally comes to an end, and sweet, good times arrive. The idiom describes a situati…

苦思冥想

kǔ sī míng xiǎng

To rack one's brains and think deeply about something, devoting one's whole mind to contemplation or…

壸浆箪食

kǔn jiāng dān shí

This idiom describes common people warmly welcoming and feeding an army they support, carrying jars …

量才录用

liàng cái lù yòng

To assess a person's abilities and assign them appropriate work or a suitable position accordingly. …

量金买赋

liàng jīn mǎi fù

It indicates that a piece of writing is of extremely high value. The idiom praises literary works so…

量入为出

liàng rù wéi chū

To budget one's spending based on the amount of income received. It advocates living within one's me…

量时度力

liàng shí dù lì

To assess the prevailing circumstances and estimate one's own strength or resources before taking ac…

料事如神

liào shì rú shén

To foretell events with the uncanny accuracy of a deity. It describes someone whose foresight and ju…

帘窥壁听

lián kuī bì tìng

To spy on others by peeking through curtains and eavesdropping through walls. It describes the furti…

连类比物

lián lèi bǐ wù

To connect and group similar things together for comparison. It describes a method of reasoning that…

连里竟街

lián lǐ jìng jiē

This idiom describes houses and buildings that are densely packed and continuously connected without…

连绵不断

lián mián bù duàn

An unbroken and continuous stretch or sequence. It describes something that goes on and on without i…

联袂而至

lián mèi ér zhì

This idiom means to arrive together or come in company with others. The image is of people linking s…

连明彻夜

lián míng chè yè

Through the entire night from dusk until dawn, without stopping. It describes continuous activity th…

连衽成帷

lián rèn chéng wéi

Joined garment lapels forming a curtain, describing a scene so densely crowded that people's clothes…

连天烽火

lián tiān fēng huǒ

Beacon fires rising to fill the sky. It is a metaphor for war and warfare spreading across the land.…

廉顽立懦

lián wán lì nuò

This idiom describes how noble moral integrity can inspire people to strive upward and improve thems…

廉远堂高

lián yuǎn táng gāo

The hall's edge is far from the ground and the hall stands high — a metaphor for the supreme, unappr…

连枝带叶

lián zhī dài yè

This idiom refers to branches and leaves growing from the same root. It is commonly used as a metaph…

连珠合璧

lián zhū hé bì

A metaphor for talented people or fine things gathering together in one place. The image evokes prec…

良辰吉日

liáng chén jí rì

A fine hour and an auspicious day; an ideal and fortunate time. Commonly used to refer to a favorabl…

良工苦心

liáng gōng kǔ xīn

Refers to the painstaking effort and meticulous care that a skilled craftsman or artist puts into th…

良弓无改

liáng gōng wú gǎi

To inherit and carry forward the fine traditions and enterprises of one's father and ancestors witho…

梁孟相敬

liáng mèng xiāng jìn

Originally referred to the Eastern Han scholar Liang Hong and his wife Meng Guang, who treated each …

良宵好景

liáng xiāo hǎo jǐng

A beautiful evening with lovely scenery. It describes a delightful night worth savoring and enjoying…

良药苦口

liáng yào kǔ kǒu

Good medicine is bitter to the taste. This idiom means that honest criticism or uncomfortable advice…

燎若观火

liáo ruò guān huǒ

To understand matters as clearly as watching a fire. It describes a thorough and lucid grasp of a si…

聊以卒岁

liáo yǐ zú suì

To barely manage to get through the year, scraping by under difficult circumstances. It conveys a re…

埒材角妙

liè cái jiǎo miào

This idiom means to compete in talent and vie for excellence. It describes people matching their abi…

烈火干柴

liè huǒ gān chái

A metaphor for intense mutual passion and attraction between a man and a woman, likened to dry firew…

六尺之讬

liù chǐ zhī quàn

A solemn entrustment of an orphaned child to someone's care. It refers to the grave responsibility o…

六合之内

liù hé zhī nèi

Literally 'within the six directions.' The six directions refer to heaven, earth, east, south, west,…

流风遗迹

liú fēng yí jì

This idiom refers to the customs, styles, and cultural influences passed down from earlier generatio…

流汗浃背

liú hàn jiā bèi

Describes sweating so profusely that the sweat soaks through one's back and clothes. By extension, i…

流金铄石

liú jīn shuò shí

Describes extreme heat so intense that even metal and stone appear to melt. Used to convey scorching…

流口常谈

liú kǒu cháng tán

A saying or phrase that everyone constantly talks about. It refers to familiar old sayings that peop…

流落失所

liú luò shī suǒ

To be displaced and wander about with nowhere to settle. It describes the plight of people who have …

流落他乡

liú luò tā xiāng

To be forced to leave one's homeland and wander in a foreign place, destitute and displaced. It desc…

流离播迁

liú lí bō qiān

To be displaced and forced to wander from place to place, repeatedly relocating due to war, disaster…

流离颠顿

liú lí diān dùn

To wander homeless and destitute, enduring great hardship and physical exhaustion. It describes a st…

流水无情

liú shuǐ wú qíng

Flowing water departs without return and shows no sentiment. It is a metaphor for the passage of tim…

流言混话

liú yán hùn huà

Baseless and unreasonable remarks or rumors. It refers to speech that has no foundation in fact or l…

留有余地

liú yǒu yú dì

To leave some room for maneuver when speaking or acting, rather than taking things to the extreme. I…

溜之乎也

liū zhī hū yě

A humorous and sarcastic way of saying someone has slipped away or made a quick getaway. The classic…

脸青鼻肿

liǎn qīng bí zhǒng

Describes a face that is severely bruised and swollen, typically from being beaten. It vividly conve…

敛色屏气

liǎn sè bǐng qì

To compose one's expression and hold one's breath. It describes a state of being cautious and revere…

敛怨求媚

liǎn yuàn qiú mèi

This idiom describes officials who levy and collect wealth from the common people despite their bitt…

两败俱伤

liǎng bài jù shāng

Both sides in a conflict suffer losses, with neither gaining an advantage. The phrase describes a si…

两豆塞耳

liǎng dòu sāi ěr

A metaphor for being misled by partial or temporary phenomena, leaving one unable to grasp the whole…

两脚居间

liǎng jiǎo jū jiān

A dialectal expression meaning a middleman or go-between, most commonly referring to a marriage matc…

两面二舌

liǎng miàn èr shé

Describes a person who speaks differently to different parties in order to sow discord and create co…

两全其美

liǎng quán qí měi

To satisfy both sides of a situation, achieving the best outcome for everyone involved. It describes…

两意三心

liǎng yì sān xīn

To be of two minds and three hearts; to be fickle and indecisive. It describes someone who cannot ma…

了如指掌

liǎo rú zhǐ zhǎng

To know something as well as if one were pointing at the lines on one's own palm. It describes a per…

柳街花巷

liǔ jiē huā xiòng

This idiom refers to red-light districts or brothel quarters in ancient China. It uses 'willow' and …

柳门竹巷

liǔ mén zhú xiàng

Describes a quiet, simple, and humble dwelling. The imagery evokes a rustic home with willow trees b…

柳陌花丛

liǔ mò huā cóng

A classical Chinese euphemism referring to brothels or districts where brothels are concentrated. Th…

柳啼花怨

liǔ tí huā yuàn

The willows seem to weep and the flowers appear to grieve. It describes a desolate, sorrowful scene …

柳絮才高

liǔ xù cái gāo

Describes someone with outstanding literary talent, especially referring to women. The phrase evokes…

柳腰莲脸

liǔ yāo lián lián

A waist as supple as a willow branch and a face as fair as a lotus flower. This idiom describes the …

柳暗花明

liǔ àn huā míng

Describes a situation where, after a period of difficulty or apparent dead-end, things suddenly take…

柳暗花遮

liǔ àn huā zhē

This idiom describes a dim and hazy scene where willows and flowers are partially obscured in the de…

鸾颠凤倒

luán diān fèng dǎo

A classical metaphor describing the intimate union between a man and a woman. The imagery of two myt…

鸾飞凤翥

luán fēi fèng zhù

The mythical luan bird flies and the phoenix soars upward. This idiom is a metaphor for a flourishin…

鸾分凤离

luán fēn fèng lí

This idiom uses the mythical birds luán and fèng as a metaphor for a married couple or romantic part…

鸾跂鸿惊

luán qí hóng jīng

This idiom describes the soaring and dynamic quality of calligraphy brushwork. It compares the lifte…

鸾舆凤驾

luán yú fèng jià

This idiom refers to magnificent imperial carriages adorned with images of mythical birds. It descri…

落井下石

luò jǐng xià shí

To add trouble to someone who is already in difficulty, or to kick someone when they are down. It de…

落阱下石

luò jǐng xià shí

A metaphor for taking advantage of someone's misfortune to inflict further harm on them, rather than…

罗钳吉网

luó qián jí wǎng

A metaphor for cruel and oppressive persecution, using harsh legal means to entrap and frame the inn…

卵石不敌

luǎn shí bù dí

An egg cannot withstand a stone. It metaphorically describes a situation where the two sides have an…

烂若舒锦

làn ruò shū jǐn

This idiom describes writing that is dazzlingly ornate and gorgeous, like richly colored brocade spr…

浪迹江湖

làng jì jiāng hú

To wander aimlessly across the world without a fixed home. '浪迹' means to roam leaving tracks, while …

浪迹天涯

làng jì tiān yá

To wander aimlessly across the ends of the earth. It describes someone who travels endlessly with no…

浪子宰相

làng zǐ zǎi xiàng

Refers to Li Bangyan, a chancellor under Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song dynasty, who neglected…

来龙去脉

lái lóng qù mài

Literally refers to the direction and course of mountain ranges in feng shui. It is now used metapho…

来日大难

lái rì dà nàn

This idiom indicates that the days ahead will be filled with great difficulties and hardships. It co…

来迎去送

lái yíng qù sòng

To welcome those who arrive and see off those who depart. The idiom describes treating guests and tr…

来者不拒

lái zhě bù jù

A mindset of accepting everyone and everything that approaches or is offered, without discrimination…

阑风伏雨

lán fēng fú yǔ

This idiom refers to the persistent winds and rains that occur during the transition from late summe…

蓝田生玉

lán tián shēng yù

Lantian is a place in Shaanxi Province renowned since ancient times for producing fine jade. This id…

兰芝常生

lán zhī cháng shēng

Orchids and lingzhi (a revered medicinal fungus) are symbols of noble character. This idiom is a met…

狼狈不堪

láng bèi bù kān

Describing a state of extreme distress, embarrassment, and awkwardness that is hard to endure. It po…

狼奔兔脱

láng bēn tù tuō

Describes people fleeing in panic and disorder, like wolves and rabbits scattering wildly. It emphas…

郎才女姿

láng cái nǚ zī

Describes a well-matched couple where the man is talented and gifted, while the woman is beautiful a…

狼顾鸱踤

láng gù chī yín

Like a wolf glancing back menacingly and an owl perching watchfully. A metaphor for fierce, violent …

狼号鬼哭

láng háo guǐ kū

Describes a mournful, chilling sound of wailing and crying. The imagery of howling wolves and weepin…

狼艰狈蹶

láng jiān bèi juě

This idiom describes being in an extremely difficult and awkward predicament, as if stumbling and fa…

锒铛入狱

láng kāng rù yù

This idiom literally means to be shackled in iron chains and thrown into prison. It vividly describe…

狼突鸱张

láng tū chī zhāng

Literally describing wolves charging forward and hawks spreading their wings in predatory fashion. I…

狼吞虎餐

láng tūn hǔ cān

This idiom describes eating in a ravenous and hurried manner, devouring food with great speed and in…

狼吞虎噬

láng tūn hǔ shì

Like a wolf gulping down food and a tiger tearing at its prey. It metaphorically describes someone w…

狼心狗行

láng xīn gǒu xíng

A heart like a wolf and conduct like a dog. Used to describe someone who is greedy, ruthless, and ut…

稂莠不齐

láng yǒu bù qí

Literally meaning "the weeds are uneven," this idiom describes a situation where good and bad people…

劳师糜饷

láo shī mí xiǎng

This idiom means to exhaust troops in vain and squander military provisions. It describes a futile m…

乐此不倦

lè cǐ bù juàn

To take great delight in something and never grow tired of it. It describes a deep passion for a par…

乐此不疲

lè cǐ bù pí

To enjoy doing something so much that one never grows weary of it. It describes being so fond of an …

乐尽悲来

lè jìn bēi lái

When happiness reaches its extreme, sorrow inevitably follows. It describes the transition from peak…

乐极悲来

lè jí bēi lái

When joy reaches its peak, sorrow will follow. It describes the natural turning point where extreme …

乐极生悲

lè jí shēng bēi

When joy reaches its extreme, sorrow is born. It describes a situation where excessive happiness lea…

乐天安命

lè tiān ān mìng

To accept one's circumstances with equanimity and entrust the outcome to fate. It reflects a fatalis…

乐往哀来

lè wǎng āi lái

Joy departs and sorrow arrives. The idiom describes the inevitable transition from happiness to sadn…

乐而忘返

lè ér wàng fǎn

So happy that one forgets to go home. It describes being so deeply immersed in an enjoyable situatio…

乐而忘死

lè ér wàng sǐ

To be so joyful that one forgets about death. It describes a broad-minded, carefree attitude in whic…

泪下如雨

lèi xià rú yǔ

Tears stream down like falling rain. It describes someone who is overcome with extreme grief, sorrow…

雷电交加

léi diàn jiāo jiā

Thunder and lightning striking simultaneously. It describes two or more forces or phenomena occurrin…

擂鼓鸣金

léi gǔ míng jīn

In ancient Chinese warfare, drums were beaten to spur troops forward and gongs were struck to comman…

擂鼓筛锣

léi gǔ shāi luó

Literally means beating drums and striking gongs, creating a loud and noisy commotion. Figuratively,…

雷惊电绕

léi jīng diàn rào

Literally 'thunder startles and lightning entwines,' describing the violent interplay of thunder and…

雷厉风行

léi lì fēng xíng

As fierce as thunder and as swift as the wind. It describes carrying out policies, orders, or tasks …

雷令风行

léi lìng fēng xíng

Like thunder that is fierce and wind that is swift. It describes carrying out policies or orders wit…

擂天倒地

léi tiān dǎo dì

Describes wild, hysterical wailing and crying in extreme grief or anguish, as if beating the heavens…

力倍功半

lì bèi gōng bàn

This idiom describes a situation where a great deal of effort is expended but the payoff is minimal.…

力不从心

lì bù cóng xīn

To lack the strength or ability to accomplish what one wishes to do. It describes a situation where …

利不亏义

lì bù kuī yì

To pursue benefit without compromising righteousness. It describes the principle that one can seek a…

力不能支

lì bù néng zhī

One's strength is insufficient to sustain or hold up a situation. It describes being physically or m…

厉兵粟马

lì bīng sù mǎ

To sharpen weapons and feed the horses well, referring to making thorough preparations for battle. I…

立地书橱

lì dì shū chú

Literally "a standing bookshelf." It is a metaphor for someone who has read extensively and possesse…

沥胆披肝

lì dǎn pī gān

To bare one's heart and reveal one's innermost feelings, showing absolute sincerity and loyalty. It …

力竭声嘶

lì jié shēng sī

To shout oneself hoarse and use up all one's strength. It describes crying out desperately with ever…

厉精更始

lì jīng gēng shǐ

This idiom means to rouse one's spirits and undertake reforms. It describes a determined effort to d…

厉精图治

lì jīng tú zhì

To rouse one's energies and devote every effort to governing the state well. It describes a ruler or…

历精为治

lì jīng wéi zhì

This idiom means to rouse one's spirit and dedicate oneself to governing the country well. It descri…

历井扪天

lì jǐng mén tiān

The idiom describes extreme height, as if one could pass through the Well star mansion (one of the t…

历历落落

lì lì luò luò

Describes something that is clearly visible yet scattered and disorderly. It conveys a state where t…

利令志惛

lì lìng zhì zào

Greed for personal gain clouds one's judgment and makes one lose all sense of reason. It is a varian…

立命安身

lì mìng ān shēn

To find spiritual purpose and material security in life. '立命' means having one's spirit anchored and…

利惹名牵

lì rě míng qiān

This idiom describes being lured and bound by the pursuit of wealth and reputation. It conveys how t…

砺山带河

lì shān dài hé

Even if Mount Tai were worn down to the size of a whetstone and the Yellow River shrunk to the width…

利深祸速

lì shēn huò sù

The greater the profit one seeks, the swifter the disaster that follows. It warns that excessive gre…

沥血披肝

lì xuè pī gān

This idiom is a vivid metaphor for expressing the utmost loyalty and sincere devotion. It describes …

沥血披心

lì xuè pī xīn

A metaphor for showing utmost loyalty and earnest sincerity. It vividly describes pouring out one's …

利析秋毫

lì xī qiū háo

The idiom literally means analyzing profits down to the finest autumn hair. It describes someone who…

立业安邦

lì yè ān bāng

To establish the foundations of a state and bring peace and stability to the realm. It describes the…

利欲熏心

lì yù xūn xīn

When greed for wealth and profit clouds one's heart and mind, it overwhelms reason and conscience. T…

力有未逮

lì yǒu wèi dǎi

One's strength or ability is not sufficient to accomplish what one wants to do. It describes a situa…

立足之地

lì zú zhī dì

A place where one can stand or plant one's feet. Metaphorically, it refers to a place or position wh…

令人莫测

lìng rén mò cè

Describes a situation or person so complex, mysterious, or changeable that others cannot figure out …

令人瞩目

lìng rén zhǔ mù

瞩目 means to fix one's gaze upon something. The idiom describes something or someone that attracts wi…

离魂倩女

lí hún qiàn nǚ

This idiom describes a beautiful young woman whose soul departs from her body out of overwhelming lo…

离奇古怪

lí qí gǔ guài

Extremely unusual, bizarre, and rarely seen. It describes things or events that are so strange and e…

临川羡鱼

lín chuān xiàn yú

This idiom metaphorically describes having desires and wishes without taking any practical action to…

临财不苟

lín cái bù gǒu

This idiom describes someone who, when confronted with money or material gain, does not take it impr…

麟角凤毛

lín jiǎo fèng máo

This idiom uses the horn of the qilin (a mythical unicorn-like beast) and the feather of the phoenix…

林籁泉韵

lín lài quán yùn

The pleasant sounds produced by wind blowing through trees and water flowing over rocks. It refers g…

琳琅满目

lín láng mǎn mù

A dazzling array of beautiful things; an impressive collection of fine items filling one's field of …

林林总总

lín lín zǒng zǒng

Describes a vast and diverse multitude of things or people gathered together. It conveys the sense o…

临难苟免

lín nàn gǒu miǎn

To seek to save one's own life when encountering danger or difficulty, without regard for principle …

林栖谷隐

lín qī gǔ yǐn

Living in seclusion among forests and mountain valleys, withdrawn from worldly affairs. It describes…

零打碎敲

líng dǎ suì qiāo

To do things in a piecemeal, fragmented, or intermittent manner — chipping away sporadically without…

零光片羽

líng guāng piàn yǔ

A metaphor for a small surviving fragment of something precious and rare. It refers to treasured rem…

伶俐乖巧

líng lì guāi qiǎo

Describes a person who is quick-witted and sharp, yet also well-mannered and pleasant in a way that …

零零星星

líng líng xīng xīng

Describes something that is scattered, fragmentary, and incomplete. It refers to small bits and piec…

零敲碎打

líng qiāo suì dǎ

To do things in a piecemeal, fragmented manner; working bit by bit without a unified plan. It descri…

灵心慧性

líng xīn huì xìng

This idiom describes someone who possesses innate intelligence and a naturally sharp mind. It refers…

镂冰雕朽

lòu bīng diāo xiǔ

The characters literally mean to carve ice and sculpt rotten wood. It is a metaphor for effort that …

漏脯充饥

lòu fǔ chōng jī

漏脯 refers to dried meat hung under the eaves that became toxic from rainwater leaking onto it. The i…

漏泄春光

lòu xiè chūn guāng

Originally described willow branches as the first to reveal the arrival of spring. It later came to …

镂心鉥肝

lòu xīn fèng gān

A metaphor for extreme, painstaking dedication to study or research. The image evokes physically car…

龙雕凤咀

lóng diāo fèng jǔ

A metaphor for the beauty and elegance of literary expression. It describes writing that is ornate a…

龙断之登

lóng duàn zhī dēng

Refers to the relentless pursuit of profit and wealth by any means, especially through monopolistic …

龙肝豹胎

lóng gān bào tāi

A metaphor for extremely rare and precious delicacies. It describes food so extraordinary and hard t…

龙肝凤脑

lóng gān fèng nǎo

A metaphor for extremely rare and precious delicacies. It describes food or treasures so exquisite t…

龙翰凤雏

lóng hàn fèng chú

A metaphor for an outstandingly talented person. It draws on the imagery of a dragon's magnificent p…

龙驹凤雏

lóng jū fèng chú

A metaphor for a handsome, brilliant youth of outstanding promise. 驹 means a young horse and 雏 means…

龙眉豹颈

lóng méi bào jǐng

Describes the imposing physical appearance of a brave and formidable warrior. The dragon's brows sug…

龙拏虎跳

lóng ná hǔ tiào

A vivid metaphor for a fierce and dramatic struggle between two titanic forces, as if dragons claw a…

龙蟠凤翥

lóng pán fèng zhù

Describes a person of exceptional talent and virtue who chooses to withdraw from worldly affairs and…

龙潜凤采

lóng qián fèng cǎi

A metaphor describing a person of outstanding talent and virtue whose exceptional abilities have not…

龙去鼎湖

lóng qù dǐng hú

This idiom euphemistically refers to the death of an emperor. It alludes to the legend of the Yellow…

龙跳虎卧

lóng tiào hǔ wò

A metaphor describing calligraphy or writing that is vigorous, bold, and powerfully unrestrained. It…

龙潭虎穴

lóng tán hǔ xué

A dragon's deep pool and a tiger's lair. It is a metaphor for an extremely dangerous and perilous pl…

龙腾虎啸

lóng téng hǔ xiào

This idiom describes a scene or momentum that is grand, powerful, and vigorously imposing. It evokes…

龙腾虎踯

lóng téng hǔ zhí

A metaphor for fierce, unstoppable impact and momentum. It evokes the image of a dragon soaring and …

龙头蛇尾

lóng tóu shé wěi

A metaphor for something that begins grandly and impressively but ends weakly and fizzles out. It de…

龙威虎震

lóng wēi hǔ zhèn

This idiom describes a bold, vigorous, and imposing momentum. It is most commonly used to characteri…

龙翔虎跃

lóng xiáng hǔ yuè

A metaphor for striving vigorously to achieve great things. It describes a person of grand ambition …

龙骧麟振

lóng xiāng lín zhèn

Describes a general who combines both majesty and virtue, wielding authority with benevolence. The d…

龙跃虎踞

lóng yuè hǔ jù

This idiom describes something extraordinary, transcendent, and magnificent in its vigor and grandeu…

龙颜凤姿

lóng yán fèng zī

An idiom describing a person whose face and bearing suggest the dignity of a sovereign. It likens on…

龙战鱼骇

lóng zhàn yú hài

A metaphor for intense and fierce warfare. The image of a dragon battling in the water evokes chaos …

龙蛰蠖屈

lóng zhé huò qū

Like a dragon hibernating and an inchworm bending its body, this idiom metaphorically describes some…

露才扬己

lù cái yáng jǐ

To show off one's talents and make a display of oneself. It carries a negative connotation, suggesti…

露胆披肝

lù dǎn pī gān

This idiom literally means to expose one's liver and gallbladder. It is a metaphor for treating othe…

路柳墙花

lù liǔ qiáng huā

A metaphor for a woman who is not respected in society, specifically referring to a prostitute or co…

陆离光怪

lù lí guāng guài

Describes phenomena that are bizarre and strangely varied, with a dazzling array of colors. It conve…

碌碌无奇

lù lù wú qí

Describes a person or thing that is utterly ordinary and unremarkable, possessing no special talent …

碌碌无为

lù lù wú wéi

This idiom describes a person who is utterly ordinary and achieves nothing of note throughout their …

鹿皮苍璧

lù pí cāng bì

This idiom describes a situation where things are disproportionate, where the secondary or superfici…

鹿裘不完

lù qiú bù wán

This idiom describes a person who is frugal and thrifty in their lifestyle. The image of an incomple…

路无拾遗

lù wú shí yí

Literally meaning 'no one picks up lost items on the road,' this idiom describes a society with exce…

鹭序鸳行

lù xù yuān xíng

Like egrets and mandarin ducks flying in orderly formation, this idiom metaphorically describes the …

论功受赏

lùn gōng shòu shǎng

To evaluate one's contributions or achievements and receive corresponding rewards. It describes the …

鲁殿灵光

lú diàn líng guāng

A metaphor for the only remaining person or thing of prestige or reputation. Derived from the Linggu…

庐山面目

lú shān miàn mù

Refers to the true appearance or real face of something. It comes from the idea that Mount Lu's true…

略无忌惮

lüè wú jì dàn

Completely without fear or apprehension. Describes someone who acts with utter brazenness and no res…

拉三扯四

lā sān chě sì

To drag in irrelevant matters or people during a conversation or discussion. It describes someone wh…

累及无辜

lěi jí wú gū

To implicate or cause suffering to innocent people who have done no wrong. It describes situations w…

磊落轶荡

lěi luò yì dàng

Being open-hearted and magnanimous, with a frank and upright disposition that transcends ordinary co…

傫如丧狗

lěi rú sàng gǒu

Describes a person who is downcast, dejected, and dispirited after suffering disappointment or failu…

累苏积块

lěi sū jī kuài

Refers to a dwelling made of stacked clods of earth and piled-up firewood, describing extremely humb…

揽辔中原

lǎn pèi zhōng yuán

Expresses the ambition to reform politics and bring clarity to governance across the realm. Also des…

览闻辩见

lǎn wén biàn jiàn

Describes someone who is widely knowledgeable and experienced, having seen and heard much of the wor…

朗月清风

lǎng yuè qīng fēng

A clear, bright moon with a fresh, gentle breeze. The idiom paints a serene, beautiful night scene a…

老蚕作茧

lǎo cán zuò jiǎn

An old silkworm spins silk to form a cocoon, enclosing itself within. It metaphorically refers to a …

老谋深算

lǎo móu shēn suàn

Describes someone who is shrewd, experienced, and deliberate, making careful plans with far-reaching…

老马识途

lǎo mǎ shí tú

An experienced person is familiar with a situation and can guide others through it, drawing on accum…

老婆当军

lǎo pó dāng jūn

A metaphor for someone or something completely useless, serving only to make up the numbers. Like dr…

老态龙钟

lǎo tài lóng zhōng

This idiom describes someone who is elderly and physically frail, with unsteady and sluggish movemen…

老妪能解

lǎo yù néng jiě

Describes writing or speech that is so plain and accessible that even an uneducated elderly woman ca…

李代桃僵

lǐ dài táo jiāng

The plum tree dies in place of the peach tree. Originally a metaphor for siblings protecting and hel…

里勾外连

lǐ gōu wài lián

Describes a situation where insiders and outsiders collude and conspire together in secret. It impli…

理所不容

lǐ suǒ bù róng

Something that cannot be tolerated or permitted by reason and moral principle. It describes actions …

里谈巷议

lǐ tán xiàng yì

This idiom refers to the everyday discussions and gossip among neighbors in streets and alleys. It d…

礼义廉耻

lǐ yì lián chǐ

An ancient Chinese concept referring to the four cardinal moral standards: propriety (礼) that define…

鲁莽灭裂

lǔ mǎng miè liè

Describes someone who acts in a rough and rash manner, doing things carelessly and without taking re…

鲁阳回日

lǔ yáng huí rì

To reverse a desperate situation and turn the tide through sheer willpower or extraordinary effort. …

鲁鱼帝虎

lǔ yú dì hǔ

Refers to errors that occur when copying or transmitting texts by hand, where visually similar chara…

鲁鱼陶阴

lǔ yú táo yīn

Refers to textual errors in copying and printing caused by confusing visually similar characters. Th…

驴唇马觜

lǘ chún mǎ zī

This idiom means to talk nonsense or speak blindly without any basis. It uses the absurd image of mi…

驴鸣犬吠

lǘ míng quǎn fèi

Like a donkey braying and a dog barking. Used to describe writing or speech that is crude, clumsy, a…

驴年马月

lǘ nián mǎ yuè

This idiom refers to an unknown or impossible time that will never arrive. The twelve Chinese zodiac…

屡教不改

lǚ jiàn bù gǎi

Repeatedly educated or warned yet still refusing to correct one's mistakes. It describes someone who…

旅进旅退

lǚ jìn lǚ tuì

To advance and retreat together with the crowd. It describes following along with everyone else with…

履霜坚冰

lǚ shuāng jiān bīng

Walking on frost, one anticipates that the season of hard ice is approaching. The idiom is a metapho…

吕安题凤

lǚ ān tí fèng

This idiom metaphorically describes visiting a friend but failing to meet them, leaving a written me…

绿惨红愁

lǜ cǎn hóng chóu

Refers to the various sorrows and grief of women. '绿' (green) represents a woman's dark tresses and …

绿女红男

lǜ nǚ hóng nán

Refers to young men and women dressed in bright, colorful clothing. It is often used to describe a l…

绿衣黄里

lǜ yī huáng lǐ

In ancient China, yellow was the noble primary color and green was a secondary one. Making a green o…

虑周藻密

lǜ zhōu zǎo mì

Describes writing or thinking that is comprehensively considered and exquisitely worded. It praises …

面壁磨砖

miàn bì mó zhuān

A metaphor for a futile effort that cannot possibly succeed. It originates from a Zen parable in whi…

面面相窥

miàn miàn xiāng kuī

To look at each other in speechless dismay. It describes a situation where people are stunned, frigh…

面目全非

miàn mù quán fēi

The appearance is completely different from what it once was, having changed beyond recognition. It …

面如满月

miàn rú mǎn yuè

Describes a face that is round, fair, and luminous like a full moon. It portrays a complexion that i…

面誉背毁

miàn yù bèi huǐ

This idiom describes someone who praises a person to their face but speaks ill of them behind their …

妙手回春

miào shǒu huí chūn

Literally meaning 'skilled hands bring back spring,' this idiom describes a doctor whose medical ski…

妙算神机

miào suàn shén jī

This idiom describes someone with boundless resourcefulness who can keenly assess situations and dev…

妙想天开

miào xiǎng tiān kāi

Describes having bizarre, whimsical, or fanciful ideas that are detached from reality. It conveys im…

妙语解颐

miào yǔ jiě yí

Witty or amusing remarks that make people smile or laugh out loud. It describes speech so clever and…

妙语惊人

miào yǔ jīng rén

This idiom describes remarkably clever, witty, or profound speech that astonishes its audience. It p…

眠花藉柳

mián huā jiè liǔ

A metaphor for frequenting brothels and consorting with prostitutes. The imagery of sleeping among f…

绵力薄材

mián lì bó cái

Having little strength and meager talent. A humble expression used to describe one's own limited cap…

绵绵瓜瓞

mián mián guā dié

Like a vine bearing countless melons, large and small, in an unbroken chain. It is a metaphor for a …

描头画角

miáo tóu huà jiǎo

A metaphor for deliberately imitating another's style with no originality of one's own. It criticize…

描写画角

miáo xiě huà jiǎo

A metaphor for creating something out of nothing — fabricating facts, events, or details that do not…

谬托知己

miù tuō zhī jǐ

To falsely claim someone as one's bosom friend, typically to gain status, favor, or credibility by a…

免怀之岁

miǎn huái zhī suì

This idiom refers to the age of three years old. It derives from the Confucian teaching that a newbo…

腼颜事仇

miǎn yán shì chóu

This idiom describes someone who shamelessly works for or serves their enemy without any sense of di…

渺不足道

miǎo bù zú dào

Used to describe something so small or insignificant that it is not worth mentioning. It conveys an …

邈若河汉

miǎo ruò hé hàn

Describes something as extremely strange, bizarre, and fantastical. The idiom likens the strangeness…

渺无人踪

miǎo wú rén zōng

Describes a place so vast and empty that not a single human trace can be seen. It conveys an atmosph…

渺无音讯

miǎo wú yīn xùn

Means having absolutely no news or information about someone or something. It describes a situation …

渺无影踪

miǎo wú yǐng zōng

Something or someone has completely disappeared without leaving the slightest trace or sign. It desc…

卖国求利

mài guó qiú lì

To betray one's country by colluding with enemies and selling out national interests in exchange for…

卖乖弄俏

mài guāi nòng qiào

To show off one's cleverness and act coquettishly or flirtatiously. It describes someone who deliber…

卖公营私

mài gōng yíng sī

To betray or sell out public interests in order to pursue personal gain. It describes corrupt behavi…

卖履分香

mài lǚ fēn xiāng

A metaphor for someone on their deathbed who remains deeply concerned about their wives and family. …

脉脉相通

mài mài xiāng tōng

Literally meaning blood vessels are connected to one another. It is used metaphorically to describe …

卖俏行奸

mài qiào xíng jiān

To seduce others with flirtatious and coquettish behavior in order to engage in illicit sexual relat…

卖俏迎奸

mài qiào yíng jiān

To behave flirtatiously and seduce others into improper or illicit sexual relations. The idiom descr…

卖身投靠

mài shēn tóu kào

To sell oneself and attach to a powerful figure. It metaphorically describes someone who abandons al…

谩不经意

màn bù jīng yì

To be casual and dismissive, not taking matters to heart. It describes someone who treats things lig…

漫条斯理

màn tiáo sī lǐ

Describes someone who acts in a slow, unhurried, and deliberate manner, taking their time without an…

漫天大谎

màn tiān dà huǎng

A lie so enormous it seems to fill the whole sky — a boundless, outrageous falsehood with no limit o…

漫天过海

màn tiān guò hǎi

Describes something vast and boundless, as if filling the entire sky and spanning across the sea. It…

漫天盖地

màn tiān gài dì

Literally meaning to overflow the sky and cover the earth. It describes something spreading everywhe…

漫天叫价

màn tiān jiào jià

To ask an exorbitant, sky-high price for something. It describes a situation where a seller or negot…

漫天开价

màn tiān kāi jià

To quote a price with no upper limit, asking an absurdly high and unreasonable amount. It describes …

漫天掩地

màn tiān yǎn dì

It describes something that spreads across the entire sky and covers the whole ground, suggesting an…

慢腾斯礼

màn téng sī lǐ

Originally described speaking and acting in an orderly, unhurried manner without fluster. It now als…

贸首之雠

mào shǒu zhī chóu

Describes a hatred so deep and irreconcilable that one is only satisfied by taking the enemy's head.…

麻痹不仁

má bì bù rén

Literally meaning 'numb and insensitive,' this idiom describes a person who is slow to react or comp…

麻姑献寿

má gū xiàn shòu

Magu presenting longevity. It refers to the mythological story of the fairy Magu brewing wine from l…

麻木不仁

má mù bù rén

Literally refers to limbs becoming numb and losing sensation, unable to feel pain or touch. Figurati…

蛮来生作

mán lái shēng zuò

This idiom describes forcing or compelling someone to do something against their will through brute …

忙里偷闲

máng lǐ tōu xián

To steal a moment of leisure amidst a busy schedule. It describes finding time to relax or do someth…

茫然若失

máng rán ruò shī

Describes a dazed, distracted state where one feels as if something important has slipped away. It c…

盲人把烛

máng rén bǎ zhú

A blind person holding a candle to light the way. It metaphorically refers to an action or effort th…

盲人摸象

máng rén mō xiàng

A metaphor for judging a whole matter based on partial or one-sided understanding and experience. It…

盲人瞎马

máng rén xiā mǎ

A blind person riding a blind horse. It is a metaphor for acting blindly without any understanding o…

盲翁扪钥

máng wēng mén yào

A metaphor for making rash judgments based solely on partial understanding or limited experience. It…

盲者得镜

máng zhě dé jìng

Describes something that cannot fulfill its proper function because it is in the wrong hands or cont…

毛发不爽

máo fā bù shuǎng

The idiom means not differing by even a single hair, describing something as absolutely exact and fr…

毛发倒竖

máo fā dǎo shù

Literally meaning 'hair standing on end,' this idiom describes a state where one's hair appears to s…

毛发耸然

máo fā sǒng rán

Hair stands on end, describing extreme shock, terror, or fright. It is a variant of the more common …

毛骨耸然

máo gǔ sǒng rán

Describes a state of extreme fear and alarm. Literally, one's hair stands on end and one's bones fee…

毛手毛脚

máo shǒu máo jiǎo

To be careless and clumsy in one's actions; to do things in a rushed, rough, and unrefined manner. I…

毛羽零落

máo yǔ líng luò

A metaphor for losing one's helpers or close associates. Just as a bird whose feathers gradually fal…

闷海愁山

mèn hǎi chóu shān

Describes an overwhelming and unshakable sorrow as vast as the sea and as heavy as a mountain. The i…

梦笔生花

mèng bǐ shēng huā

Literally 'dreaming that flowers bloom on one's writing brush.' It describes a sudden and dramatic i…

孟母三迁

mèng mǔ sān qiān

The mother of Mencius relocated her home three times to find a good environment for raising and educ…

没颠没倒

méi diān méi dǎo

Describes a state of confusion, disorder, or being topsy-turvy, where things are in a jumble. It can…

没轻没重

méi qīng méi zhòng

Describes speech or actions that are reckless and rash, lacking any sense of propriety or appropriat…

没世穷年

méi shì qióng nián

This idiom means 'for one's entire life' or 'until the end of one's days.' It describes a span of ti…

眉头眼尾

méi tóu yǎn wěi

Refers to the expressions and subtle cues revealed in one's eyebrows and eyes. It describes how a pe…

门不停宾

mén bù tíng bīn

Guests are never kept waiting at the door. This idiom praises someone who is diligent, warm, and pro…

门单户薄

mén dān hù bó

This idiom describes a family that has declined in fortune and has few members or descendants. It co…

门堪罗雀

mén kān luó què

Describes a place so deserted and quiet that one could catch sparrows at the doorstep, indicating ve…

密不通风

mì bù tōng fēng

Describes something so tightly sealed or heavily guarded that not even wind can pass through. Common…

密锣紧鼓

mì luó jǐn gǔ

Originally described the rapid, urgent gong and drum playing that precedes the opening of a theatric…

命薄缘悭

mìng báo yuán qiān

This idiom describes someone whose fortune is poor and whose karmic connections with others are shal…

命俦啸侣

mìng chóu xiào lǚ

This idiom means to call upon like-minded companions and friends to gather together for a shared act…

命在旦夕

mìng zài dàn xī

One's life hangs between morning and evening, meaning death could come at any moment within a very s…

迷惑视听

mí huò shì tīng

To confuse people's eyes and ears, leaving them unable to distinguish truth from falsehood. It descr…

靡坚不摧

mí jiān bù cuī

There is nothing so firm or solid that it cannot be destroyed. It describes a force or power so over…

靡然乡风

mí rán xiāng fēng

This idiom describes people collectively following a prevailing trend or example until it becomes a …

弥日累夜

mí rì lèi yè

This idiom describes working or exerting oneself day and night without interruption. It conveys rele…

靡所适从

mí suǒ shì cóng

To not know which direction to follow or what course to take. It describes a state of bewilderment a…

迷天大罪

mí tiān dà zuì

Describes a crime or sin of immense magnitude, so great that it seems to obscure the heavens. The id…

靡衣玉食

mí yī yù shí

Refers to beautiful clothes and exquisite, jade-like food, describing a life of luxury and extravaga…

靡知所措

mí zhī suǒ cuò

To be at a complete loss, not knowing how to handle a situation. It describes a state of bewildermen…

迷踪失路

mí zōng shī lù

To lose one's trail and be unable to find the way forward. It describes a state of complete disorien…

民生国计

mín shēng guó jì

This idiom refers to the national economy and the people's livelihood. It encompasses both the finan…

名垂千古

míng chuí qiān gǔ

This idiom describes a person's good reputation being handed down forever through the ages. It conve…

名符其实

míng fú qí shí

The name, title, or reputation matches the actual reality or quality of a person or thing. It is use…

鸣鼓而攻

míng gǔ ér gōng

To publicly denounce or condemn someone by openly declaring their faults. It originates from the pra…

明婚正娶

míng hūn zhèng qǔ

Refers to a marriage conducted through formal and legitimate procedures. In modern usage, it denotes…

名列前茅

míng liè qián máo

To rank among the top positions in a competition, examination, or ranking. The term comes from ancie…

名落孙山

míng luò sūn shān

To fail a competitive examination or selection process. It refers to someone who did not make the cu…

明来暗往

míng lái àn wǎng

Describes frequent and close interactions conducted both openly and behind the scenes. Often carries…

名目繁多

míng mù fán duō

This idiom describes a situation where there are numerous names, categories, or pretexts for somethi…

明目张胆

míng mù zhāng dǎn

Literally 'to widen the eyes and bare one's courage,' it originally meant to act with boldness and c…

名卿钜公

míng qīng jù gōng

This idiom refers to prominent officials and powerful nobles who hold high social standing. It descr…

名山胜川

míng shān shèng chuān

This idiom refers to renowned mountains and beautiful rivers, denoting celebrated landscapes of outs…

冥思苦想

míng sī kǔ xiǎng

To think deeply and painstakingly about something, racking one's brain for an answer or idea. It des…

明堂正道

míng táng zhèng dào

Open and aboveboard; proper and straightforward in conduct. It describes doing things in an honest, …

明效大验

míng xiào dà yà

This idiom describes evidence or results that are both obvious and significant. It refers to clear a…

明月清风

míng yuè qīng fēng

To be accompanied only by the bright moon and clear breeze. Metaphorically describes a person who ch…

明月入怀

míng yuè rù huái

This idiom uses the image of a bright moon entering one's bosom as a metaphor for having an open, ma…

鸣野食苹

míng yě shí píng

Deer calling to each other in the field while feeding together on wild herbs. It is a metaphor for t…

明哲保身

míng zhé bǎo shēn

Originally it praised a wise person's ability to preserve themselves through prudence and good judgm…

名重一时

míng zhòng yī shí

Having great fame and influence during a particular period. It describes someone whose reputation wa…

名噪一时

míng zào yī shí

To enjoy great fame during a particular period; to have one's reputation spread widely for a time. T…

默换潜移

mò huàn qián yí

To secretly and quietly replace or shift something without others noticing. It describes a covert tr…

墨迹未干

mò jì wèi gān

The ink has not yet dried. It is used metaphorically to mean that an agreement or treaty was signed …

末路穷途

mò lù qióng tú

This idiom describes being at a dead end with no way forward. It metaphorically refers to an extreme…

莫名其妙

mò míng qí miào

A phrase describing something so strange or inexplicable that no one can articulate why it is the wa…

默默无闻

mò mò wú wén

Unknown to the public; living without fame or recognition.

莫予毒也

mò yù dú yě

No one can harm me anymore. It expresses supreme arrogance and a total disregard for any threat from…

莫知所为

mò zhī suǒ wéi

To be so overwhelmed or agitated that one does not know what to do. It describes a state of panic, s…

莫之与京

mò zhī yǔ jīng

This idiom means that something is so vast, high, or great that nothing can be compared with it. It …

没衷一是

mò zhōng yī shì

Opinions are so divided that no one can decide which side is correct. It describes a situation where…

磨杵成针

mó chǔ chéng zhēn

To grind an iron pestle down into a needle. It is a metaphor for achieving difficult goals through p…

磨杵作针

mó chǔ zuò zhēn

This idiom conveys that with unwavering perseverance and diligent effort, even the most seemingly im…

磨盾之暇

mó dùn zhī xiá

The idiom refers to free time during wartime. 盾 (shield) symbolizes warfare, and 磨盾 (maintaining shi…

磨砥刻厉

mó dǐ kè lì

To grind and sharpen oneself through relentless effort. It describes someone who diligently hones th…

磨砻镌切

mó lóng juān qiē

To grind, polish, engrave, and cut — a metaphor for rigorous study, self-cultivation, and mutual imp…

摩拳擦掌

mó quán cā zhǎng

Describes people rubbing their fists and palms together, fully energized and eager to act, typically…

模山范水

mó shān fàn shuǐ

To depict mountains and waters through writing or painting. It refers to the artistic practice of ca…

磨踵灭顶

mó zhǒng miè dǐng

Describes someone who works with such extreme self-sacrifice that they wear their body down from hee…

谋谟帷幄

móu mó wéi wò

It means to devise battle strategies from within the command tent, i.e., to formulate military plans…

谋事在人

móu shì zài rén

Planning and initiating matters depends on human effort. It stresses that people must take active re…

谋无遗谞

móu wú yí ér

The plans devised leave no shortfall in wisdom or resourcefulness. It describes strategizing that is…

目成心许

mù chéng xīn xǔ

Describes two lovers communicating affection through eye contact and silently pledging their devotio…

暮翠朝红

mù cuì cháo hóng

This idiom describes someone who is fickle in love, constantly changing romantic partners. The image…

目瞪口呆

mù dèng kǒu dāi

Dumbfounded, completely speechless with shock or astonishment.

目击耳闻

mù jī ěr wén

To see with one's own eyes and hear with one's own ears. It describes firsthand experience or direct…

暮景残光

mù jǐng cán guāng

Like the fading light of a setting sun. It is a metaphor for being old and frail, approaching the en…

目量意营

mù liàng yì yíng

To measure and survey with one's own eyes, and to design and plan with careful thought. This idiom d…

沐露沾霜

mù lù zhān shuāng

This idiom describes enduring the hardship of being exposed to dew and frost while working or travel…

目食耳视

mù shí ěr shì

Using the eyes to eat and the ears to see—a vivid metaphor for confusing or reversing the proper fun…

暮四朝三

mù sì cháo sān

This idiom originally referred to a change in wording or method while the substance remains the same…

目挑眉语

mù tiāo méi yǔ

To communicate flirtatious intentions through eye contact and eyebrow movements. It describes the ac…

目挑心悦

mù tiāo xīn yuè

This idiom describes making flirtatious eye contact to convey affection, with both hearts feeling mu…

目眩头晕

mù xuàn tóu yūn

A state of dizziness and blurred vision, where one's eyes cannot focus and the head feels light or s…

暮夜无知

mù yè wú zhī

Literally 'in the dark of night, no one knows.' It refers to doing something in secret, believing th…

暮夜先容

mù yè xiān róng

It refers to secretly offering bribes in advance—typically under the cover of night—to secure lenien…

美不胜收

měi bù shèng shōu

This idiom describes a situation where there are so many beautiful things that one cannot take them …

每饭不忘

měi fàn bù wàng

To never forget something even at every meal; to constantly keep something in mind. It describes bei…

每况愈下

měi kuàng yù xià

Describes a situation that keeps getting progressively worse over time. It conveys a steady and seem…

美人香草

měi rén xiāng cǎo

An old literary convention in which beautiful women and fragrant plants serve as allegorical symbols…

美中不足

měi zhōng bù zú

A minor flaw or imperfection in something that is otherwise excellent. It describes a situation wher…

猛虎插翅

měng hǔ chā chì

A metaphor describing an already powerful person or force that gains an additional advantage, becomi…

摸门不着

mō mén bù zháo

Describes a state of being completely baffled or at a loss, unable to make sense of what is happenin…

马齿徒增

mǎ chǐ tú zēng

A horse's age can be told by its teeth, so this idiom is a humble, self-deprecating way to say one h…

马革裹尸

mǎ gé guǒ shī

To be wrapped in a horse hide after death on the battlefield. It refers to dying heroically in comba…

马鹿异形

mǎ lù yì xíng

Derived from Zhao Gao's story of calling a deer a horse, this idiom metaphorically means to delibera…

马牛襟裾

mǎ niú jīn jū

Literally meaning a horse or an ox wearing human clothes. It is a metaphor for a person who lacks ma…

马上功成

mǎ shàng gōng chéng

Literally means accomplishments achieved on horseback, referring to founding a dynasty or achieving …

马首欲东

mǎ shǒu yù dōng

Literally meaning one's horse's head wishes to turn east, this idiom refers to heading eastward to r…

马仰人翻

mǎ yǎng rén fān

This idiom vividly describes a scene of extreme chaos and commotion, as if horses are rearing up and…

马足龙沙

mǎ zú lóng shā

To gallop across the frontier deserts and project military power beyond the borders. "Longsha" (drag…

买臣覆水

mǎi chén fù shuǐ

Spilled water cannot be gathered back up. It is a metaphor for a situation that is already settled a…

买贱卖贵

mǎi jiàn mài guì

To buy goods at a low price and sell them at a high price. It describes the basic profit-making stra…

买马招军

mǎi mǎ zhāo jūn

To buy horses and recruit soldiers. It means to gather manpower and resources in preparation for war…

买牛卖剑

mǎi niú mài jiàn

To put down one's weapons and take up farming, figuratively meaning to abandon a violent or criminal…

买牛息戈

mǎi niú xī gē

To buy oxen and put away weapons, originally referring to soldiers laying down arms to take up farmi…

满腹牢骚

mǎn fù láo sāo

Describes someone harboring a stomachful of grievances and complaints. It depicts a person who is de…

满腹珠玑

mǎn fù zhū jī

珠 (zhū) means round pearls and 玑 (jī) means irregular ones; together 珠玑 metaphorically refers to bea…

满目疮痍

mǎn mù chuāng yí

The idiom describes a scene where everywhere one looks, there are signs of devastation and destructi…

满腔热枕

mǎn qiāng rè chén

To be filled with warm and sincere enthusiasm. It describes a person whose heart overflows with genu…

米粒之珠

mǐ lì zhī zhū

A pearl the size of a grain of rice. It is used metaphorically to describe something tiny, weak, and…

靡靡之声

mǐ mǐ zhī shēng

Refers to soft, weak, and decadent music that erodes one's spirit and morals. It is synonymous with …

靡然从风

mǐ rán cóng fēng

Describes how people collectively imitate or follow a trend, turning it into a prevailing custom or …

米盐博辩

mǐ yán bó biàn

This idiom uses rice and salt—common, abundant commodities—as a metaphor for argumentation that is b…

闵乱思治

mǐn luàn sī zhì

To sympathize with the suffering of chaotic times and long for an era of peace and good governance. …

酩酊烂醉

mǐng dǐng làn zuì

Describes being extremely and utterly drunk, to the point of losing control of one's body and senses…

母难之日

mǔ nán zhī rì

"母难之日" literally means "the day of the mother's hardship." It refers to one's birthday, reminding us…

母以子贵

mǔ yǐ zǐ guì

This idiom means that a mother gains honor and elevated social status through her son's prominence o…

年华垂暮

nián huá thuí mù

Describes a person who is drawing near to old age, with the days of one's life approaching their twi…

年轻力壮

nián qīng lì zhuàng

Young in age and strong in physical strength. It describes someone in the prime of youth with robust…

年深月久

nián shēn yuè jiǔ

A long passage of time; having endured through many years and months. It describes something that ha…

年逾古稀

nián yú gǔ xī

This idiom refers to someone whose age has surpassed seventy years old. The term '古稀' comes from the…

啮血沁骨

niè xuè qìn gǔ

Describes extreme sincerity and unwavering faithfulness. The imagery is of biting one's own flesh un…

涅而不淄

niè ér bù zī

A metaphor describing a person of noble moral character who remains pure and uncorrupted despite bei…

牛鼎烹鸡

niú dǐng pēng jī

Using a large cauldron meant for boiling a whole ox to cook a single chicken. It is a metaphor for a…

牛鬼蛇神

niú guǐ shé shén

Literally 'ox-headed ghosts and snake-bodied spirits' — bizarre, fantastical creatures. It is used a…

牛角书生

niú jiǎo shū shēng

A metaphor for a person who studies with great diligence and devotion. It originates from the image …

牛毛细雨

niú máo xì yǔ

Describes extremely fine, dense drizzle so light and thin that it resembles cow hair. Often used to …

牛农对泣

niú nóng duì qì

This idiom describes a husband and wife living together in extreme poverty, weeping helplessly as th…

牛溲马勃

niú sōu mǎ bó

Cow urine and horse puffball fungus were once dismissed as worthless, yet both possess medicinal pro…

牛蹄之鱼

niú tí zhī yú

A fish trapped in a cow's hoofprint puddle. A metaphor for someone whose death is imminent and circu…

牛听弹琴

niú tīng tán qín

Literally a cow listening to someone play the qin (zither), this idiom describes someone who cannot …

牛衣夜哭

niú yī yè kū

Describes a married couple enduring poverty together, weeping in shared hardship. It evokes the imag…

拈酸吃醋

niān suān chī cù

To feel jealous, especially in romantic relationships. It describes someone who becomes envious or p…

捏怪排科

niē guài pái kē

This idiom means to deliberately make trouble, play tricks, or create difficulties for others. It de…

捏脚捏手

niē jiǎo niē shǒu

To walk with extremely light and careful footsteps, moving cautiously so as not to make any noise. I…

捻神捻鬼

niǎn shén niǎn guǐ

Describes someone trembling and fidgeting uncontrollably out of extreme fear, as if nervously graspi…

鸟焚鱼烂

niǎo fén yú làn

This idiom describes the total collapse of a regime or entity caused by internal decay and civil str…

鸟骇鼠窜

niǎo hài shǔ cuàn

Describes fleeing in great terror and panic, like birds startled into flight and mice scattering in …

鸟惊鼠窜

niǎo jīng shǔ cuàn

Describes people fleeing in panic and terror, like startled birds and scurrying mice. It is used to …

鸟惊鱼骇

niǎo jīng yú hài

This idiom describes a state of great alarm and panic, likened to birds and fish that scatter in fri…

鸟声兽心

niǎo shēng shòu xīn

Describes a person whose speech is as pleasant as a bird's song while their heart is as vicious as a…

鸟语花香

niǎo yǔ huā xiāng

An idiom describing a scene full of the songs of birds and the scent of flowers. It is used to paint…

扭转干坤

niǔ zhuǎn gàn kūn

To fundamentally reverse an established situation and change the course of events. It describes the …

懦词怪说

nuò cí guài shuō

This idiom refers to absurd, unfounded, and preposterous claims or statements. It describes speech o…

纳履踵决

nà lǚ zhǒng jué

When putting on shoes, the heel of the shoe splits open. This vividly describes extreme poverty and …

难兄难弟

nàn xiōng nàn dì

Originally meant brothers so equally accomplished that it was hard to judge who was superior. In mod…

拿班做势

ná bān zuò shì

To put on airs and strike poses to impress others. It describes someone who acts pretentiously or pu…

拏风跃云

ná fēng yuè yún

A metaphor for possessing a grand and heroic spirit. It describes someone whose ambition and vigor a…

拿腔做势

ná qiāng zuò shì

To put on airs and assume an affected manner. It describes someone who deliberately speaks or acts i…

男盗女娼

nán dào nǚ chāng

Men become thieves and women become prostitutes. It describes a situation where both men and women e…

难乎其难

nán hū qí nán

This idiom means that something is extremely difficult to accomplish, going far beyond ordinary diff…

南面称孤

nán miàn chēng gū

In ancient Chinese court ritual, the ruler always sat facing south, so 'facing south' became a symbo…

南蛮鴂舌

nán mán xiāng shé

A classical idiom mocking people who speak difficult-to-understand southern dialects. The shrike (鴂)…

喃喃细语

nán nán xì yǔ

This idiom describes speaking in a low, soft, murmuring voice. It conveys the image of someone talki…

难能可贵

nán néng kě guì

Describes something that is both hard to achieve and therefore highly praiseworthy. It is used to co…

男女老小

nán nǚ lǎo xiǎo

A phrase referring to people of all ages and genders, encompassing everyone. It conveys the idea of …

男女老幼

nán nǚ lǎo yòu

This idiom refers to all people regardless of gender or age. It encompasses everyone within a commun…

南去北来

nán qù běi lái

Refers to people coming and going in all directions, describing the constant movement of travelers o…

南辕北辙

nán yuán běi zhé

To act in a way that runs directly counter to one's intended goal. It describes a situation where so…

难以预料

nán yǐ yù liào

This idiom means that something is difficult or impossible to predict or anticipate in advance. It i…

南征北战

nán zhēng běi zhàn

This idiom describes fighting campaigns across both the south and the north, indicating extensive mi…

囊萤照书

náng yíng zhào shū

To put fireflies in a pouch to light up a book. It describes someone from a poor family who studies …

挠喉捩嗓

náo hóu liè sǎng

This idiom describes singing that is off-key and out of tune, failing to conform to proper musical p…

讷言敏行

nè yán mǐn xíng

To speak cautiously and act swiftly. It describes a person who is careful with words but quick and d…

内忧外侮

nèi yōu wài wǔ

Refers to domestic unrest and foreign aggression simultaneously besetting a nation. Sometimes used m…

能近取譬

néng jìn qǔ pì

To be able to draw analogies from one's own nearby experience. It describes the virtue of putting on…

能谋善断

néng móu shàn duàn

Describes someone who is capable of deep, sustained deliberation and is also good at making decisive…

能者为师

néng zhě wéi shī

Let those who are capable be your teacher. The idiom expresses the principle that one should learn f…

逆坂走丸

nì bǎn zǒu wán

Rolling a ball up a slope. A metaphor for something extremely difficult to accomplish, like pushing …

匿迹潜形

nì jì qián xíng

To hide one's traces and conceal one's form. It describes someone who goes into hiding so completely…

逆耳利行

nì ěr lì xíng

This idiom means that honest and forthright words, though grating to the ear, are ultimately benefic…

泥中隐刺

ní zhōng yǐn cì

This idiom describes speech that conceals sarcasm or mockery within seemingly ordinary words. It evo…

弄鬼弄神

nòng guǐ nòng shén

This idiom describes pretending to be ghosts or spirits to deceive or frighten others. It also refer…

弄斤操斧

nòng jīn cāo fǔ

Literally meaning to take up an axe to chop and carve, this idiom by extension refers to the careful…

弄口鸣舌

nòng kǒu míng shé

To use glib speech to argue cleverly or to sow discord by spreading gossip. It describes someone who…

弄瓦之喜

nòng wǎ zhī xǐ

This idiom is a conventional phrase of congratulations used when a family has a newborn daughter. It…

弄影团风

nòng yǐng tuán fēng

This idiom describes a restless and unsettled state of mind. The imagery of playing with shadows and…

弄竹弹丝

nòng zhú dàn sī

To play wind and string instruments. 'Bamboo' refers to wind instruments made of bamboo, while 'silk…

浓妆艳服

nóng zhuāng yàn fú

Refers to women who are heavily made up and dressed in gaudy, gorgeous attire. It is synonymous with…

怒目而视

nù mù ér shì

To glare at someone with wide-open, angry eyes. It describes the fierce expression of a person who i…

恼羞变怒

nǎo xiū biàn nù

To become enraged out of extreme shame and embarrassment when one cannot save face. It is a variant …

女大须嫁

nǚ dà xū jià

A saying meaning that when a daughter comes of age, she should be married off in a timely manner. It…

女貌郎才

nǚ mào láng cái

A beautiful woman matched with a talented man. It is used as a metaphor for a perfectly matched coup…

女长当嫁

nǚ zhǎng dāng jià

A grown girl should be married off. It is the traditional Chinese saying that once a daughter reache…

盘水加剑

pan shui jia jian

An ancient Han dynasty practice where a minister who had committed a grave offense would carry a bas…

片词只句

piàn cí zhī jù

Refers to fragmentary bits of writing—scattered words and isolated sentences. It describes incomplet…

片鳞残甲

piàn lín cán jiǎ

A metaphor for an extremely small fragment or remnant of something larger. Like a single broken scal…

片文只事

piàn wén zhī shì

Refers to fragmented and incomplete anecdotal writings and minor incidents. It describes scattered l…

片瓦不留

piàn wǎ bù liú

Not a single tile is left. It describes a situation where houses or buildings have been completely d…

骈肩累足

pián jiān lěi zú

People stand so close together that their shoulders touch and their feet overlap one another. It des…

骈门连室

pián mén lián shì

Literally 'paired doors and connected rooms,' this idiom describes houses standing side by side in c…

骈首就死

pián shǒu jiù sǐ

To be executed or killed together with others, side by side. It describes a group of people facing d…

骈兴错出

pián xīng cuò chū

Describes things emerging continuously and abundantly, one after another in rapid succession. It con…

瓢泼大雨

piáo pō dà yǔ

A heavy rain that falls like water poured from a gourd dipper. It describes rain coming down in torr…

翩翩少年

piān piān shào nián

This idiom describes a young man whose bearing and manners are graceful, elegant, and unforced. It c…

飘泊无定

piāo bó wú dìng

Literally meaning to drift without a fixed place to stay, this idiom describes a life of wandering a…

飘风急雨

piāo fēng jí yǔ

Literally describes wind and rain that arrive suddenly and violently. Used metaphorically for a forc…

飘飘欲仙

piāo piāo yù xiān

To feel so light and buoyant that one seems about to float away from the mortal world and become an …

飘蓬断梗

piāo péng duàn gěng

Like tumbleweed blown about by the wind and broken branches carried along by the current, it describ…

飘茵堕溷

piāo yīn duò hùn

A metaphor for how chance fortune leads people to vastly different destinies of wealth or poverty. I…

判若水火

pàn ruò shuǐ huǒ

To be as different as water and fire. It describes two things or people that are completely opposite…

炮火连天

pào huǒ lián tiān

Describes artillery fire that is extremely fierce and widespread, filling the entire sky. It portray…

爬罗剔抉

pá luó tī jué

To extensively comb through and collect materials, then carefully sift and pick out the best. It des…

爬山涉水

pá shān shè shuǐ

This idiom describes a journey that is arduous and exhausting, involving the physical hardship of cl…

排除万难

pái chú wàn nán

To overcome all obstacles and surmount every difficulty. It describes a resolute determination to cl…

排山压卵

pái shān yā luǎn

A metaphor for accomplishing something with overwhelming ease, like using massive force against some…

排忧解难

pái yōu jiě nán

To dispel someone's worries and resolve their difficulties. It describes the act of helping others o…

盘根究底

pán gēn jiū dǐ

This idiom means to interrogate and investigate a matter down to its very root and bottom. It descri…

庞眉皓首

páng méi hào shǒu

Describes the appearance of an elderly person, with grey or mottled eyebrows and white hair. The cha…

旁敲侧击

páng qiāo cè jī

To beat around the bush or make indirect remarks instead of stating something directly. It describes…

傍若无人

páng ruò wú rén

As if there is no one beside oneself. Describes someone acting with arrogant self-assurance, complet…

旁若无人

páng ruò wú rén

Acting as if no one else is present. It describes someone behaving in a self-important or arrogant m…

庞然大物

páng rán dà wù

An enormous, awe-inspiring object or creature. It describes something of massive size that can appea…

旁蒷远绍

páng sōu yuǎn shào

To extensively search and gather materials from all sides while inheriting and carrying forward the …

滂沱大雨

páng tuó dà yǔ

Describes rain falling in torrents, a heavy and unrelenting downpour. The phrase vividly conveys rai…

蓬生麻中

péng shēng má zhōng

This idiom describes mugwort growing among tall hemp plants and being kept straight without support.…

蓬头垢面

péng tóu gòu miàn

Having disheveled hair and a dirty face. Originally used to describe the wretched living conditions …

睥睨一切

pì nì yī qiè

To look down upon everything and everyone with supreme arrogance. It describes a person so haughty t…

牝鸡牡鸣

pìn jī mǔ míng

A hen crowing like a rooster at dawn. Traditionally used as a metaphor for a woman usurping politica…

牝牡骊黄

pìn mǔ lí huáng

The idiom literally refers to distinguishing horses by sex (male or female) and color (black or yell…

疲惫不堪

pí bèi bù kān

To be extremely fatigued to the point of being unable to endure it. It describes a state of total ph…

疲于奔命

pí yú bēn mìng

Originally meant being worn out from running around carrying out orders. Now commonly refers to bein…

贫贱之知

pín jiàn zhī zhī

A close friend made during times of poverty and low social status. It refers to genuine friendships …

贫贱糟糠

pín jiàn zāo kāng

This idiom refers to a wife who has shared poverty and hardship with her husband since the early day…

贫而无谄

pín ér wú chǎn

To be poor yet refuse to flatter or curry favor with others. It describes someone who maintains dign…

平白无辜

píng bái wú gū

This idiom describes someone who is clearly innocent and free of any guilt or wrongdoing. It emphasi…

瓶沉簪折

píng chén zān zhé

A bottle that sinks to the bottom of water cannot be retrieved, and a jade hairpin snapped in two ca…

平分秋色

píng fēn qiū sè

This idiom metaphorically describes two parties that are evenly matched, each obtaining an equal sha…

评功摆好

píng gōng bǎi hǎo

To assess achievements and lay out one's good qualities or accomplishments. It describes a situation…

凭空捏造

píng kōng niē zào

To fabricate something entirely out of thin air, with no basis in fact or evidence. It refers to the…

平铺直序

píng pù zhí xù

To narrate or describe things in a plain, sequential manner without embellishment. It can denote cle…

萍水相逢

píng shuǐ xiāng féng

A chance meeting between strangers who happen to cross paths, much like duckweed drifting on water. …

平头正脸

píng tóu zhèng liǎn

Describes someone with regular, decent-looking facial features. It can also imply a conventional or …

平心定气

píng xīn dìng qì

To calm one's mind and steady one's temper. It describes approaching a situation with composure and …

平心易气

píng xīn yì qì

To maintain a calm and composed state of mind, approaching matters without agitation. It is a varian…

萍踪浪迹

píng zōng làng jì

Like duckweed drifting on water and waves leaving no permanent mark. It describes a person who wande…

破壁飞去

pò bì fēi qù

A legendary reference to a painted dragon breaking through a wall and flying away once its eyes were…

迫不及待

pò bù jí dài

Unable to wait due to extreme urgency or eagerness. Describes an impatient and eager state of mind w…

魄荡魂飞

pò dàng hún fēi

This idiom describes a state of extreme terror and panic, as if one's soul has been shaken loose and…

魄荡魂摇

pò dàng hún yáo

Describes a state where one's spirit is shaken and mind cannot concentrate due to external stimulati…

破釜沉舟

pò fǔ chén zhōu

To burn one's bridges. Committing fully to a course of action with no retreat possible.

破斧缺斨

pò fǔ quē zhōu

This idiom uses broken weapons—an axe (斧) and a chisel (斨)—as a metaphor for the inevitable sacrific…

破觚斫雕

pò gū zhuó diāo

A metaphor for discarding what is complex and elaborate in favor of what is simple, and setting asid…

破旧立新

pò jiù lì xīn

To dismantle the old and establish the new. It describes the act of abolishing outdated systems, ide…

破家为国

pò jiā wéi guó

To ruin one's own family for the sake of the nation. It metaphorically describes selfless devotion a…

破坚摧刚

pò jiān cuī gāng

This idiom means to break through and destroy strong enemies or formidable forces. It conveys overwh…

破镜重圆

pò jìng chóng yuán

A metaphor for a married couple who were separated or divorced reuniting and restoring their relatio…

破矩为圆

pò jǔ wéi yuán

Literally meaning to break a square into a circle. It is a metaphor for reforming harsh and rigid la…

破口大骂

pò kǒu dà mà

To shout abuse at someone using harsh and insulting words. It describes a situation where a person l…

破脑刳心

pò nǎo kū xīn

This idiom literally means to break one's brain and cut open one's heart. It is a metaphor for exhau…

魄散魂飞

pò sàn hún fēi

Describes an overwhelming state of terror or fright, so intense that one's soul seems to scatter and…

破涕成笑

pò tì chéng xiào

To break into laughter from tears, describing the transition from sorrow to joy. It is a variant of …

破铜烂铁

pò tóng làn tiě

Literally refers to rusted, broken, and useless copper and iron objects. By extension, it describes …

婆婆妈妈

pó pó mā mā

Describes someone who is fussy over trivial details, nagging, and wordy in speech and action. It can…

铺采摛文

pù cǎi chī wén

To display literary talent through ornate and elaborate composition. It describes the practice of la…

暴衣露盖

pù yī lù gài

The sun bakes one's clothes and dew soaks the carriage canopy. It describes traveling tirelessly thr…

匍匐之救

pú fú zhī jiù

This idiom refers to making every possible effort to rescue or aid someone in distress. The image of…

蒲柳之姿

pú liǔ zhī zī

Literally referring to the posture of cattail and willow trees, which wither and lose their leaves e…

拍马溜须

pāi mǎ liū xū

An idiom describing sycophantic flattery and fawning behavior toward those in power. It combines two…

潘江陆海

pān jiāng lù hǎi

Describes someone with extraordinary literary talent, especially in poetry and prose. The idiom evok…

攀今吊古

pān jīn diào gǔ

To converse freely about everything under the sun, from contemporary affairs to ancient history. It …

潘文乐旨

pān wén lè zhǐ

This idiom describes beautiful writing where elegant literary expression and profound meaning come t…

抛砖引玉

pāo zhuān yǐn yù

To offer a humble or modest remark in order to prompt others to share their more valuable insights o…

喷薄欲出

pēn bó yù chū

Describes water surging upward or the sun about to rise over the horizon, bursting with energy. Ofte…

喷雨嘘云

pēn yǔ xū yún

Describes the violent splashing and scattering of spray, mist, and water vapor, typically used to de…

烹龙炮凤

pēng lóng páo fèng

This idiom describes extraordinarily sumptuous, luxurious cuisine, as if one were preparing mythical…

烹龙煮凤

pēng lóng zhǔ fèng

A metaphor for preparing rare and exotic delicacies. It also describes dishes that are extraordinari…

劈风斩浪

pī fēng zhǎn làng

To split the wind and cleave through the waves. It describes someone who charges forward fearlessly …

批亢捣虚

pī gàng dǎo xū

This idiom describes a strategy of seizing the enemy's vital points and attacking where they are mos…

披肝沥胆

pī gān lì dǎn

It means to open one's heart and speak honestly, revealing one's innermost true feelings to another …

披古通今

pī gǔ tōng jīn

To study history thoroughly and be well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge. It describes a …

批砉导竨

pī huā dǎo táo

To approach a problem by targeting its crucial point and resolving it smoothly. The idiom describes …

被甲持兵

pī jiǎ chí bīng

To be fully armed and equipped for battle, clad in protective armor with weapons in hand. It describ…

披荆斩棘

pī jīng zhǎn jí

To break through thorny undergrowth on a difficult path, metaphorically meaning to overcome great ob…

披沥肝胆

pī lì gān dǎn

A metaphor for baring one's true heart and pouring out one's innermost thoughts, as if exposing one'…

披沥肝膈

pī lì gān gé

To bare one's heart and pour out one's innermost feelings with complete sincerity. It also describes…

批鳞请剑

pī lín qǐng jiàn

To bravely speak truth to power and request the execution of corrupt officials. The idiom evokes the…

披露腹心

pī lù fù xīn

This idiom means to reveal one's sincere and innermost feelings to others. '披露' means to disclose or…

批毛求疵

pī máo qiú cī

This idiom means to deliberately find fault with others and nitpick over trivial shortcomings. It is…

披毛求瑕

pī máo qiú xiá

To deliberately pick faults and search for errors where there are none. It describes someone who is …

披裘负薪

pī qiú fù xīn

Wearing a coarse fur garment and carrying firewood on one's back, describing a reclusive scholar of …

披沙简金

pī shā jiǎn jīn

This idiom metaphorically means to sift through a large quantity of things to find the valuable esse…

披沙剖璞

pī shā pōu pú

To sift gold from sand and carve jade from rough stone. It metaphorically describes the ability to d…

披霄决汉

pī xiāo jué hàn

This idiom describes breaking through the clouds and the Milky Way, symbolizing soaring to extraordi…

剖蚌得珠

pōu bàng dé zhū

A metaphor for seeking out and obtaining outstanding talent. Like prying open a clam to retrieve a p…

剖心坼肝

pōu xīn chè gān

This idiom is a metaphor for absolute loyalty and sincerity. It describes a person who is completely…

匹夫沟渎

pǐ fū gōu dú

Refers to rigidly adhering to petty loyalty and minor principles like an ordinary person, dying obsc…

匹夫无罪

pǐ fū wú zuì

An ordinary person is without guilt or crime. The idiom often appears alongside '怀璧其罪' to convey tha…

匹夫小谅

pǐ fū xiǎo liàng

Refers to the petty integrity or rigid adherence to minor moral principles that an ordinary person c…

匹马单枪

pǐ mǎ dān qiāng

Originally described a lone warrior charging into battle on a single horse with one spear. It now me…

匹马当先

pǐ mǎ dāng xiān

Literally 'a single horse taking the lead.' It means to charge ahead at the forefront, to be the fir…

品竹调弦

pǐn zhú diào xián

To play and appreciate wind and string instruments. The term uses 'bamboo' to represent wind instrum…

品竹调丝

pǐn zhú tiáo sī

The idiom refers broadly to playing wind and string musical instruments. 'Bamboo' (竹) stands for win…

品竹弹丝

pǐn zhú tán sī

Refers to playing musical instruments. 'Zhu' (bamboo) stands for wind instruments like flutes and xi…

普度群生

pǔ dù qún shēng

A Buddhist term meaning to broadly save all sentient beings from the sea of suffering in the cycle o…

普济群生

pǔ jì qún shēng

A Buddhist term meaning to universally save and relieve all sentient beings from suffering. It refle…

普济众生

pǔ jì zhòng shēng

A Buddhist term meaning to universally save all sentient beings. Buddhism teaches that people are en…

溥天率土

pǔ tiān lǜ tǔ

Refers to the entire world, all lands within the four seas. It emphasizes the totality of territory …

普天率土

pǔ tiān shuài tǔ

The entire world or all under heaven. It refers to everywhere within the boundaries of the earth, en…

恰到好处

qià dào hǎo chù

To speak or act at exactly the right degree or moment — neither too much nor too little. It describe…

鞘里藏刀

qiào lǐ cáng dāo

To hide a sharp blade inside a scabbard. It is a metaphor for concealing murderous intent or hostile…

潜德隐行

qián dé yǐn xíng

Refers to virtuous conduct and good deeds that remain unknown or unacknowledged by others. It descri…

前功尽废

qián gōng jìn fèi

All previous efforts and achievements are completely wasted or ruined. It describes the frustration …

前街后巷

qián jiē hòu xiàng

Literally 'front streets and back alleys,' this idiom refers to all the streets and lanes throughout…

潜精研思

qián jīng yán sī

This idiom describes devoting oneself deeply to study and research, concentrating one's mind fully o…

潜鳞戢羽

qián lín jí yǔ

This idiom means to hide one's traces and keep a low profile. The imagery draws from fish diving dee…

前仆后踣

qián pú hòu bó

Describes a heroic and fierce struggle in which people charge forward wave after wave, with those in…

潜窃阳剽

qián qiè yáng piāo

This idiom describes plagiarizing or stealing others' work both covertly and overtly. It refers to a…

潜神默记

qián shén mò jì

To settle one's mind and concentrate fully while silently committing something to memory. It describ…

前所未有

qián suǒ wèi yǒu

Refers to something that has never happened or existed before. It describes a situation, event, or a…

前庭悬鱼

qián tíng xuán yú

A metaphor for refusing gifts and bribes and maintaining personal integrity. It describes an honest,…

黔突暖席

qián tū nuǎn xí

Originally describing how Confucius and Mozi traveled so constantly that their stove chimney never h…

潜休隐德

qián xiū yǐn dé

To hide and conceal one's virtues and good deeds. It describes a person who cultivates morality inte…

潜形匿迹

qián xíng nì jì

To conceal one's form and hide one's traces, remaining completely out of sight. It describes someone…

前言往行

qián yán wǎng xíng

Refers to the words and deeds of sages and virtuous people from previous generations. It is used to …

潜移默夺

qián yí mò duó

To imperceptibly change or take something without leaving any visible trace. It describes influencin…

潜移默化

qián yí mò huà

To exert a subtle, imperceptible influence on someone or something over time. It describes how attit…

强弓劲弩

qiáng gōng jìn nǔ

Literally referring to powerful bows and sturdy crossbows. The idiom describes formidable weapons an…

强奸民意

qiáng jiān mín yì

To forcibly impose one's own agenda as the will of the people; to falsely claim that a conspiracy or…

强直自遂

qiáng zhí zì suí

Describes a person who is firm, upright, and acts according to their own will without being swayed b…

强枝弱本

qiáng zhī ruò běn

A metaphor describing a situation where local or regional forces grow stronger than the central auth…

强自取折

qiáng zì qǔ shé

Things that are excessively hard or rigid will break themselves. The idiom serves as a metaphor warn…

乔龙画虎

qiáo lóng huà hǔ

This idiom describes someone who shows false or hypocritical attentiveness, putting on a display of …

翘足引领

qiáo zú yǐn lǐng

To stand on tiptoe and stretch one's neck forward. It describes an eager, anxious longing or anticip…

挈领提纲

qiè lǐng tí gāng

To grasp the essentials or key points of a matter by focusing on what is most important. Just as lif…

惬心贵当

qiè xīn guì dāng

A phrase describing what is fitting and reasonable. It means that what truly satisfies the mind is v…

窃玉偷香

qiè yù tōu xiāng

Literally 'to steal jade and steal fragrance,' it is a metaphor for seducing women or carrying on il…

锲而不舍

qiè ér bù shě

To keep on carving without stopping. It describes someone who works with relentless perseverance and…

穷兵黩武

qióng bīng dú wǔ

To exhaust all national resources and recklessly wage war. It describes an extremely bellicose ruler…

穷愁潦倒

qióng chóu liáo dǎo

To be impoverished, distressed, and thoroughly dejected in spirit. It originally described scholars …

穷年累月

qióng nián lěi yuè

Literally meaning exhausting the years and accumulating the months, this idiom describes something t…

穷且益坚

qióng qiě yì jiān

The poorer one's circumstances, the more resolute one's will should be. It describes maintaining unw…

裘弊金尽

qiú bì jīn jìn

Literally describes a fur coat worn threadbare and all one's gold spent. It is used metaphorically t…

求亲靠友

qiú qīn kào yǒu

To beg or seek assistance from one's relatives and friends. It describes turning to family and acqua…

求同存异

qiú tóng cún yì

To seek common ground while reserving differences. It advocates finding shared interests or agreemen…

千疮百痍

qiān chuāng bǎi yí

Similar to the more common idiom 千疮百孔 (a thousand holes and a hundred perforations), this phrase des…

千差万错

qiān chà wàn cuò

This idiom describes a situation where there are many errors or significant mistakes. It emphasizes …

千愁万绪

qiān chóu wàn xù

Describes a state of being overwhelmed by countless worries and tangled, lingering emotions. It conv…

千方百计

qiān fāng bǎi jì

To try every possible means and exhaust all strategies to achieve a goal. It describes a determined …

千方万计

qiān fāng wàn jì

To exhaust every possible method or approach to achieve a goal. It is synonymous with 千方百计, emphasiz…

迁风移俗

qiān fēng yí sú

To change established customs and social habits. It is a variant of the more common idiom 移风易俗, conv…

谦恭下士

qiān gōng xià shì

To treat those of lower status or rank with genuine humility and courtesy, especially when one holds…

千古绝调

qiān gǔ jué diào

A peerless masterpiece through the ages; a work of exceptional brilliance rarely seen in any era. It…

千回百折

qiān huí bǎi zhé

Describes literary works, music, or singing as richly modulated with many twists and turns. Also des…

千回万转

qiān huí wàn zhuǎn

Describes going through many twists and turns, or repeatedly and carefully deliberating over a matte…

千金一笑

qiān jīn yī xiào

To spend a thousand pieces of gold in exchange for a single smile. It refers to sparing no expense t…

千军万马

qiān jūn wàn mǎ

Describes an enormous, formidable military force or a vast crowd of people and things. It conveys a …

千钧一发

qiān jūn yī fà

Describes a moment of extreme peril or imminent disaster, where the slightest misstep could lead to …

千钧重负

qiān jūn zhòng fù

A jun was an ancient Chinese unit of weight equal to thirty jin (catties). This idiom describes an e…

迁客骚人

qiān kè sāo rén

Banished officials and melancholy poets. The term refers broadly to literati who have been demoted, …

千了百了

qiān le bǎi le

Everything is completely settled and finished. It describes a situation where all matters have been …

迁兰变鲍

qiān lán biàn bào

A metaphor for the subtle, transformative influence of one's environment on character. Just as enter…

千龄万代

qiān líng wàn dài

This idiom means "for thousands of ages and ten thousand generations," equivalent to 千秋万代. It emphas…

千里无烟

qiān lǐ wú yān

This idiom describes a vast region where no cooking smoke rises from any household, indicating that …

千里一曲

qiān lǐ yī qǔ

Literally meaning 'a thousand li with one bend,' referring to the Yellow River flowing a great dista…

千里之任

qiān lǐ zhī rèn

This idiom refers to the heavy responsibility of traveling a thousand miles. It is used metaphorical…

千虑一得

qiān lǜ yī dé

Even a foolish person, after a thousand considerations, may occasionally arrive at something worthwh…

千难万苦

qiān nán wàn kǔ

This idiom describes experiencing all kinds of severe difficulties and hardships. It conveys endurin…

千秋人物

qiān qiū rén wù

Refers to a person whose name and deeds endure through the ages, leaving a lasting legacy for poster…

迁善塞违

qiān shàn sāi wéi

To turn toward virtue while shutting out evil. It describes the moral discipline of actively cultiva…

迁善远罪

qiān shàn yuǎn zuì

To turn toward goodness and stay far from wrongdoing. It describes a moral attitude of actively cult…

千山万水

qiān shān wàn shuǐ

Literally meaning a thousand mountains and ten thousand rivers, this idiom describes a long and ardu…

千态万状

qiān tai wàn zhuàng

An expression describing an enormous variety of states, forms, or appearances. It conveys that somet…

千推万阻

qiān tuī wàn zǔ

Literally 'a thousand pushes and ten thousand blocks.' It describes repeatedly making excuses to del…

迁延羁留

qiān yán jī liú

To delay and be detained or held up somewhere. It describes lingering or remaining stuck rather than…

千岩万壑

qiān yán wàn hè

Describes a landscape of countless towering cliffs and deep winding valleys stretching endlessly. It…

千真万确

qiān zhēn wàn què

An expression used to emphasize that something is absolutely true and beyond any doubt. It conveys c…

千姿百态

qiān zī bǎi tài

Describes a vast array of different postures, appearances, or forms. It conveys that something prese…

千载难逢

qiān zǎi nán féng

An extremely rare opportunity or event that might occur only once in a millennium. It emphasizes how…

千载一弹

qiān zǎi yī dàn

The idiom extols an exceptionally deep and heartfelt friendship that is extraordinarily hard to come…

千载一会

qiān zǎi yī huì

Literally 'one meeting in a thousand years.' It describes an extremely rare, once-in-a-lifetime oppo…

千载一时

qiān zǎi yī shí

An opportunity that comes only once in a thousand years. Describes a chance that is extremely rare a…

抢地呼天

qiāng dì hū tiān

This idiom describes a person hitting their head against the ground and crying out to heaven in extr…

戕身伐命

qiāng shēn fá mìng

This idiom means to harm one's own body and damage one's health. It describes self-destructive behav…

敲锣打鼓

qiāo luó dǎ gǔ

Literally means beating gongs and drums. It describes a scene of jubilant celebration with loud, fes…

敲牛宰马

qiāo niú zǎi mǎ

This idiom refers to slaughtering livestock such as cattle and horses, typically to prepare a lavish…

敲诈勒索

qiāo zhà lè suǒ

To use threats, intimidation, or coercion to extort money or property from others. It typically invo…

切树倒根

qiē shù dǎo gēn

Literally meaning to cut down trees and pull up their roots, this idiom is used as a metaphor for do…

秋风扫叶

qiū fēng sǎo yè

Literally 'autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves,' this idiom describes a force of overwhelming po…

秋风纨扇

qiū fēng wán shàn

When the autumn wind arrives, fans are cast aside and no longer used. This idiom is a metaphor for a…

秋收冬藏

qiū shōu dōng cáng

Literally meaning "harvest in autumn and store in winter," this idiom describes the seasonal cycle o…

秋行夏令

qiū xíng xià líng

Doing summer things when autumn has already arrived — acting out of season. It describes behavior th…

遣词措意

qiǎn cí cuò yì

Refers to the deliberate choice of words and shaping of ideas when writing or speaking. It describes…

浅见寡闻

qiǎn jiàn guǎ wén

A shallow view and little that one has heard. Describes a person whose knowledge and experience are …

强词夺理

qiǎng cí duó lǐ

To use lame or forced arguments to insist on being right; to try to win a debate through sophistry r…

强词夺正

qiǎng cí duó zhèng

To argue stubbornly with twisted logic while knowing one has no real case. It describes someone who …

强文假醋

qiǎng wén jiǎ cù

Refers to someone who pretends to be cultured and refined but lacks genuine substance. It describes …

巧夺天工

qiǎo duó tiān gōng

Human craftsmanship surpasses the wonders of nature. It is used to praise extremely exquisite and in…

劝善戒恶

quàn shàn jiè è

This idiom means to encourage people toward virtuous behavior while cautioning them against wrongdoi…

权变锋出

quán biàn fēng chū

Adapting flexibly to changing circumstances while letting one's sharp brilliance show through. It sp…

全璧归赵

quán bì guī zhào

Literally meaning to return the jade intact to the State of Zhao. It is a variant of the more common…

拳打脚踢

quán dǎ jiǎo tī

To beat someone with fists and kick with feet. It describes a thorough physical beating or assault. …

权衡轻重

quán héng qīng zhòng

To weigh the relative lightness and heaviness of things. It metaphorically means to compare the rela…

全盘托出

quán pán tuō chū

To reveal everything completely, holding nothing back. It is used when someone discloses all informa…

拳拳服膺

quán quán fú yīng

To hold something firmly and sincerely in one's heart, never letting it go. It describes a deep, ear…

权倾天下

quán qīng tiān xià

Describes a person whose political power and influence are so immense that they seem to overwhelm th…

权倾中外

quán qīng zhōng wai

This idiom describes someone whose power and influence dominate both inside and outside the imperial…

全神关注

quán shén guān zhù

To concentrate one's entire mind and attention on a single thing. It describes a state of complete m…

泉石膏肓

quán shí gāo huāng

The term uses '泉石' (springs and rocks) to stand for mountains and waters, while '膏肓' refers to the d…

全心全意

quán xīn quán yì

To do something with one's entire heart and complete devotion. It describes putting absolute sinceri…

权宜之策

quán yí zhī cè

A stopgap measure adopted temporarily to deal with an immediate situation rather than as a lasting s…

权重秩卑

quán zhòng zhì bēi

This idiom describes a situation where a person holds great actual power despite holding a low offic…

鹊反鸾惊

què fǎn luán jīng

Describes calligraphy strokes that appear vividly animated and full of spirit, like magpies and myth…

榷酒征茶

què jiǔ zhēng chá

To impose government monopolies on wine and taxes on tea. It broadly refers to oppressive or miscell…

雀马鱼龙

què mǎ yú lóng

Refers collectively to rare birds and exotic beasts. Used to describe a dazzling gathering of uncomm…

雀屏中选

què píng zhòng xuǎn

The peacock screen was hit and one was chosen. It refers to being selected as a son-in-law through a…

犬马恋主

quǎn mǎ liàn zhǔ

A metaphor for a subordinate's or minister's deep attachment and loyalty to their lord or sovereign.…

犬牙鹰爪

quǎn yá yīng zhǎo

A metaphor for skillful and ruthless means of seizing or grabbing. It describes aggressive tactics u…

弃本逐末

qì běn zhú mò

Originally referred to abandoning agriculture in favor of commerce and other secondary pursuits. Now…

弃笔从戎

qì bǐ cóng róng

A variant of the idiom 投笔从戎, it refers to a scholar abandoning literary pursuits to join the militar…

弃短用长

qì duǎn yòng cháng

弃短用长 means to discard what is weak or deficient while adopting what is strong and beneficial. It adv…

契合金兰

qì hé jīn lán

Describes a deep and sincere friendship where two people share the same values and feelings. The ter…

弃旧怜新

qì jiù lián xīn

To abandon an old love and dote on a new one. It typically describes a man who discards his former p…

弃甲负弩

qì jiǎ fù nǔ

To throw away one's armor and carry one's crossbow, describing soldiers abandoning equipment after a…

气急败丧

qì jí bài sàng

Describes someone so overwhelmed by anger or panic that they lose all composure and dignity. The idi…

弃末反本

qì mò fǎn běn

In ancient Chinese economic thought, this referred to abandoning commerce and crafts (the 'branches'…

器满则覆

qì mǎn zé fù

When a vessel is filled to the brim, it will tip over and spill. This metaphor describes how things …

契若金兰

qì ruò jīn lán

This idiom describes friendship between people that is extremely deep and unwavering. It compares th…

泣数行下

qì shù háng xià

Tears fall continuously down one's face. It describes a state of profound sorrow and grief where one…

泣涕如雨

qì tì rú yǔ

Tears falling down like rain. It describes a state of extreme sorrow and grief where one weeps uncon…

弃同即异

qì tóng jí yì

To abandon those who share one's background or kinship and instead associate with outsiders or those…

气象万千

qì xiàng wàn qiān

Describes scenery or phenomena that are magnificent and ever-changing in variety. It conveys a sense…

器小易盈

qì xiǎo yì yíng

A small vessel fills up easily. Originally referring to someone with a low tolerance for alcohol, th…

气息奄奄

qì xī yān yān

Describes breathing that is extremely weak, as if the person is about to draw their last breath. It …

气焰熏天

qì yàn xūn tiān

This idiom describes someone whose arrogance and overbearing manner is so extreme that it seems to p…

气逾霄汉

qì yú xiāo hàn

One's spirit and morale soar beyond the clouds and the Milky Way. It describes someone possessing tr…

气壮胆粗

qì zhuàng dǎn cū

This idiom describes someone whose spirit is vigorous and courage is great, making them fearless and…

沁人心脾

qìn rén xīn pí

To seep into one's heart and spleen — describes something so refreshingly fragrant, cool, or beautif…

庆吊不行

qìng diào bù xíng

To neither offer congratulations nor pay condolences. Originally describing a person who severs all …

罄竹难书

qìng zhú nán shū

Literally meaning 'to exhaust the bamboo yet still be unable to finish writing,' this idiom describe…

旗布星峙

qí bù xīng zhì

Like banners spread across a field and stars standing in the sky, it describes a large number of thi…

奇才异能

qí cái yì néng

Extraordinary and exceptional talent and ability. It describes someone possessing rare gifts and out…

齐东野语

qí dōng yě yǔ

Baseless, unfounded talk that cannot be trusted. The phrase originates from Mencius's contemptuous d…

奇光异彩

qí guāng yì cǎi

Wondrous light and extraordinary colors. It describes something dazzlingly brilliant or strikingly s…

琪花瑶草

qí huā yáo cǎo

Originally referring to the flowers and grass of the immortal realm imagined by the ancients, this i…

奇花异卉

qí huā yì huì

A phrase referring to rare and unusual flowers and plants. It is also used metaphorically to describ…

骑鹤上扬

qí hè shàng yáng

This idiom satirizes someone who wants to have it all at once — official rank, wealth, and immortali…

齐家治国

qí jiā zhì guó

To put one's own household in order before undertaking the governance of the state. In Confucian tho…

骐骥过隙

qí jì guò xì

Describes time passing by with extreme swiftness. The image is that of a magnificent horse galloping…

旗开得胜

qí kāi dé shèng

To win victory the moment the battle flag is unfurled. It metaphorically means achieving success rig…

歧路徘徊

qí lù pái huái

Literally pacing back and forth at a fork in the road. It figuratively describes someone hesitating …

齐眉举案

qí méi jǔ àn

To raise a serving tray to the height of one's eyebrows. It describes mutual respect and courtesy be…

骑牛觅牛

qí niú mì niú

Originally a metaphor for holding a position while searching for a more satisfactory one. It now mos…

崎嵚历落

qí qīn lì luò

Describes a person whose character and conduct are extraordinary, upright, and open. It conveys some…

齐驱并进

qí qū bìng jìn

This idiom describes multiple tasks or endeavors progressing forward simultaneously and in parallel.…

齐头并进

qí tóu bìng jìn

It means advancing on multiple fronts at the same time. The idiom is most often used to describe sev…

綦溪利跂

qí xī lì guì

To deliberately act profound and conspicuously set oneself apart from the crowd. It describes someon…

齐心涤虑

qí xīn dí lǜ

To purify one's mind and body, clearing away distracting thoughts and worries. It is a variant of th…

禽困覆车

qín kùn fù chē

When a hunted beast is cornered, it will overturn the hunter's cart. It is a metaphor for how a desp…

秦楼楚馆

qín lóu chǔ guǎn

A general term for places of song, dance, and entertainment, most often referring to brothels. 'Qin …

秦庭之哭

qín tíng zhī kū

Originally referred to weeping at the Qin court to beg another state for military aid. Now used meta…

情不自禁

qíng bù zì jìn

This idiom describes a state where one's emotions are so overwhelming that they cannot be controlled…

情不自已

qíng bù zì yǐ

Unable to control one's emotions; so overwhelmed by feelings that one cannot restrain them. It empha…

情见乎言

qíng jiàn hū yán

One's true emotions and inner feelings are revealed through their speech. It describes how a person'…

情景交融

qíng jǐng jiāo róng

A literary technique where the depiction of environment and atmosphere is tightly integrated with th…

情理难容

qíng lǐ nán róng

Describes an act so outrageous that it cannot be tolerated by either human feeling or rational princ…

情面难却

qíng miàn nán què

It describes a situation where one finds it hard to decline a request or favor due to personal relat…

情投意忺

qíng tóu yì xiān

Both parties' feelings and intentions are perfectly in harmony with each other. It describes a relat…

情见势屈

qíng xiàn shì qū

The true situation has been exposed to the enemy, and one's position has become disadvantageous. Ori…

情至意尽

qíng zhì yì jìn

One's affection and goodwill toward another person have been expressed to their fullest extent. It d…

情逐事迁

qíng zhú shì qiān

As circumstances change, one's feelings and attitudes shift accordingly. It describes how emotional …

去本趋末

qù běn qū mò

This idiom refers to abandoning agriculture, considered the fundamental occupation, in favor of comm…

去故就新

qù gù jiù xīn

To discard the old and embrace the new. It describes the process of leaving behind outdated things a…

阒无一人

qù wú yī rén

Describes a place that is completely empty and silent, with not a single person present. It emphasiz…

去邪归正

qù xié guī zhèng

To abandon evil ways and return to the righteous path. It describes a person who reforms from wrongd…

裙带关系

qún dài guān xì

A relationship built through female relatives such as wives, daughters, or sisters. It refers to usi…

群空冀北

qún kōng jì běi

When the legendary horse judge Bole passed through the northern Ji region, he picked out all the fin…

七步八叉

qī bù bā chā

An idiom describing exceptional quickness of literary talent and wit. It combines two historical all…

七长八短

qī cháng bā duǎn

This idiom describes things of uneven lengths or heights, a jumbled mix of varying sizes. It can als…

七大八小

qī dà bā xiǎo

Describes things that are uneven or irregular in size. It can also convey a scattered, fragmented ap…

七高八低

qī gāo bā dī

This idiom describes a path or road that is uneven and rugged, with highs and lows throughout. It is…

欺公罔法

qī gōng wǎng fǎ

To deceive the authorities and flout the law. It describes brazen behavior that shows open contempt …

七横八竖

qī héng bā shù

Literally 'seven horizontal and eight vertical.' It describes things scattered in a disordered, cris…

七脚八手

qī jiǎo bā shǒu

Describes a scene of busy, disordered activity where many people work together at once. It conveys t…

欺君误国

qī jūn wù guó

To deceive the monarch and bring ruin to the nation. The idiom describes treacherous officials who m…

七孔生烟

qī kǒng shēng yān

Describes a state of extreme fury or rage, as if smoke were billowing out from all seven facial orif…

七捞八攘

qī lāo bā rǎng

Literally 'seven scoops and eight disturbances,' this idiom describes a mind that gropes and flails …

七男八婿

qī nán bā xù

Describes a family with many sons and sons-in-law, that is, a large and flourishing household of mal…

栖丘饮谷

qī qiū yǐn gǔ

To live in seclusion among mountains and valleys, embracing a reclusive lifestyle away from worldly …

七七八八

qī qī bā bā

This idiom means 'almost' or 'roughly so,' indicating something is nearly complete or close to a cer…

欺人太甚

qī rén tài shèn

Bullying or taking advantage of someone to an intolerable degree. It describes behavior that pushes …

七上八下

qī shàng bā xià

Describes a state of great anxiety, nervousness, or inner turmoil where one's emotions fluctuate unp…

七事八事

qī shì bā shì

Describes a situation where there are many matters and affairs piling up at once, creating a sense o…

七手八脚

qī shǒu bā jiǎo

This idiom describes a scene where many people are acting together in a chaotic and uncoordinated ma…

七损八益

qī sǔn bā yì

A Traditional Chinese Medicine concept describing the physiological rhythms of women (based on cycle…

七推八阻

qī tuī bā zǔ

To deliberately create obstacles and make excuses to delay or refuse something. It describes someone…

七歪八扭

qī wāi bā niǔ

Describes something that is crooked, slanted, and out of alignment. It conveys an irregular, uneven …

七湾八拐

qī wān bā guǎi

Describes a route or path full of twists and turns, constantly changing direction. It is also used f…

七鄐八手

qī xì bā shǒu

Describes a scene where many people are working together at once, often in a busy or somewhat fluste…

亲操井臼

qīn cāo jǐng jiù

To personally handle household chores such as drawing water and husking grain. It describes someone …

亲仁善邻

qīn rén shàn lín

This idiom means to cultivate closeness with the virtuous and to maintain friendly relations with ne…

清尘浊水

qīng chén zhuó shuǐ

"Clear dust" metaphorically refers to another person, while "muddy water" refers to oneself. It desc…

青出于蓝

qīng chū yú lán

The student surpasses the teacher. Successive generations improve upon their predecessors.

轻财好施

qīng cái hǎo shī

To treat wealth lightly and be fond of giving to others. It describes a person who is generous and c…

清都绛阙

qīng dōu jiàng què

A term from Chinese mythology referring to the celestial palace where the Heavenly Emperor resides. …

倾国倾城

qīng guó qīng chéng

An idiom describing a woman of such extraordinary beauty that she could cause the downfall of an ent…

青黄不接

qīng huáng bù jiē

The green seedlings have not yet ripened and the yellow grain from the previous harvest has run out.…

青红皂白

qīng hóng zào bái

An idiom referring to the facts or the rights and wrongs of a situation. When used in the negative (…

轻举绝俗

qīng jǔ jué sú

To withdraw from society and live in seclusion, severing ties with worldly affairs. It describes the…

轻举妄动

qīng jǔ wàng dòng

This idiom describes acting rashly or taking action without careful deliberation. It warns against m…

轻举远游

qīng jǔ yuǎn yóu

To ascend lightly and travel far away, leaving the secular world behind. It describes the act of wit…

轻口薄舌

qīng kǒu báo shé

To speak lightly and carelessly without restraint or thought. It describes someone who is glib, loos…

轻怜痛惜

qīng lián tòng xī

Describes showing tender and profound affection toward someone, cherishing them with gentle care and…

轻怜重惜

qīng lián zhòng xī

To show tender affection and deep cherishing toward someone in every possible way. It describes lavi…

青蓝冰水

qīng lán bīng shuǐ

An abbreviation of the phrase "青出于蓝，冰寒于水" — blue extracted from the indigo plant is bluer than the p…

倾盆大雨

qīng pén dà yǔ

This idiom describes rain so heavy and intense that it is as if water were being poured directly fro…

青钱万选

qīng qián wàn xuǎn

A metaphor for writing or essays of outstanding quality that always meet the mark. It compares brill…

轻生重义

qīng shēng zhòng yì

To regard one's life as light but righteousness as weighty. It describes a person willing to sacrifi…

青史标名

qīng shǐ biāo míng

To have one's name inscribed in the annals of history. It refers to achieving great deeds so that on…

青天霹雳

qīng tiān pī lì

A thunderclap from a clear sky. This idiom metaphorically describes a sudden, unexpected event that …

清闲自在

qīng xián zì zài

Free from worry and constraint, living a quiet and leisurely life. It describes a state of comfortab…

青鞋布袜

qīng xié bù wà

Originally refers to the plain attire of common folk. It came to symbolize the simple, unadorned lif…

青霄直上

qīng xiāo zhí shàng

To rise rapidly to a very high position or status. It is synonymous with 青云直上 (qīng yún zhí shàng), …

倾心吐胆

qīng xīn tǔ dǎn

This idiom describes speaking one's mind freely and revealing one's innermost thoughts without any r…

轻徙鸟举

qīng xǐ niǎo jǔ

Describes people who move or relocate as easily and lightly as a bird taking flight, indifferent to …

轻言轻语

qīng yán qīng yǔ

This idiom describes speaking in an extremely soft, quiet, or low voice. It conveys a gentle, hushed…

轻繇薄赋

qīng yáo báo fù

This idiom describes the policy of reducing corvée labor obligations and lowering tax burdens on the…

清夜扪心

qīng yè mén xīn

To examine one's own conscience in the quiet of the night. It describes the act of deep self-reflect…

青蝇吊客

qīng yíng diào kè

After death, only green flies come to pay mournful visits. It is a metaphor for someone who had no t…

青蝇点玉

qīng yíng diǎn yù

A metaphor for a minor flaw on something otherwise flawless and precious. It likens a small blemish …

青云直上

qīng yún zhí shàng

To rise rapidly and straight to a high position, like soaring through the blue sky. It describes som…

轻重缓急

qīng zhòng huǎn jí

A principle for prioritizing tasks by distinguishing between what is important and what is trivial, …

倾耳注目

qīng ěr zhù mù

To listen attentively and watch intently. Originally described someone of immense power and authorit…

屈打成招

qū dǎ chéng zhāo

This idiom describes an innocent person being wrongfully tortured and forced to confess to a crime t…

趋吉避凶

qū jí bì xiōng

To pursue good fortune and steer clear of misfortune. It embodies the practical wisdom of making cho…

曲里拐弯

qū lǐ guǎn wān

This idiom describes something that has many bends and turns, such as a winding path or road. It can…

区区小事

qū qū xiǎo shì

A trifling or insignificant matter. The reduplication 区区 emphasizes how small or negligible somethin…

曲突徙薪

qū tū xǐ xīn

Qū (曲) means to bend, tū (突) refers to a chimney, xǐ (徙) means to move, and xīn (薪) means firewood—l…

驱羊战狼

qū yáng zhàn láng

This idiom metaphorically describes attacking a powerful opponent with inadequate or far weaker mean…

起凤腾蛟

qǐ fèng téng jiāo

Like a phoenix rising and a dragon soaring — used to describe someone with extraordinary literary ta…

泣麟悲凤

qǐ lín bēi fèng

This idiom refers to weeping over the qilin and mourning the phoenix—mythical auspicious creatures t…

杞人忧天

qǐ rén yōu tiān

To worry unnecessarily about something that will never happen. It describes someone who wastes time …

起死回生

qǐ sǐ huí shēng

To bring back from the brink of death. To save a hopeless situation miraculously.

杞天之虑

qǐ tiān zhī lǜ

This idiom refers to unnecessary or groundless anxiety and worry. It is a variant of the more common…

寝皮食肉

qǐn pí shí ròu

This idiom describes hatred so extreme that one wishes to sleep on the enemy's skin and eat their fl…

寝食不安

qǐn shí bù ān

Unable to sleep or eat peacefully; being so worried or anxious that one loses appetite and rest. It …

寝食俱废

qǐn shí jù fèi

To abandon both sleep and food. It describes a state of extreme anxiety or intense concentration, wh…

寝苫枕土

qǐn shān zhěn tǔ

An ancient Chinese mourning ritual prescribed by patriarchal clan law, in which a filial son sleeps …

曲肱而枕

qǔ gōng ér zhěn

Resting one's head on a bent arm while sleeping. It describes a life of contentment and tranquility,…

曲终奏雅

qǔ zhōng zòu yǎ

Literally meaning that at the end of a musical piece, an elegant and refined melody is played. It is…

若即若离

ruò jì ruò lí

Literally 'as if approaching, as if leaving.' It describes someone who keeps a certain distance, app…

弱肉强食

ruò ròu qiáng shí

Originally referring to the natural world where the weak are devoured by the strong. It is used meta…

若隐若显

ruò yǐn ruò xiǎn

Appearing to be hidden yet also seeming to appear; describing something faintly visible and indistin…

若有所丧

ruò yǒu suǒ sàng

To appear as though one has lost something. It describes a person whose mind is unsettled, distracte…

若有所亡

ruò yǒu suǒ wáng

Appears as though one has lost something, describing a restless and unsettled state of mind. It also…

阮囊羞涩

ruǎn náng xiū sè

The idiom describes a state of financial hardship or being short of money. It comes from the story o…

软裘快马

ruǎn qiú kuài mǎ

A light, warm fur coat and a swift horse. The phrase metaphorically describes a life of luxury and e…

软香温玉

ruǎn xiāng wēn yù

Describes a young woman's body as soft, fair, and exuding a warm, delicate fragrance. It conveys the…

软硬兼施

ruǎn yìng jiān shī

Using both gentle and forceful methods at the same time. It describes employing a combination of con…

软玉温香

ruǎn yù wēn xiāng

A phrase describing the tender and fragrant body of a woman. The characters 'jade' and 'fragrance' s…

燃糠自照

rán kāng zì zhào

A metaphor for diligent and self-motivated study. It describes someone who, despite poverty and hard…

燃萁煮豆

rán qí zhǔ dòu

A metaphor for close relatives harming one another, especially brothers harming brothers. It is equi…

热可炙手

rè kě zhì shǒu

Literally “hot enough to burn one's hand,” this idiom describes a person whose power and influence a…

热心快肠

rè xīn kuài cháng

Describes a person who is warm-hearted and straightforward in temperament. It conveys both genuine e…

认仇作父

rèn chóu zuò fù

To take one's enemy for one's father. It is a metaphor for willingly selling oneself out and serving…

任劳任怨

rèn láo rèn yuàn

To bear hardships and complaints without complaint. It describes someone who willingly endures both …

人才辈出

rén cái bèi chū

This idiom describes talented people emerging continuously, generation after generation. It conveys …

人多势众

rén duō shì zhòng

It describes a group that is large in number and therefore formidable in strength and momentum. The …

人多手杂

rén duō shǒu zá

When too many people are handling things, hands are busy and disorganized. It refers to situations w…

人单势孤

rén dān shì gū

This idiom describes a situation where one has few people and little strength on their side. It conv…

人非木石

rén fēi mù shí

People are not made of wood or stone. It means that human beings have thoughts and feelings, and can…

仁浆义粟

rén jiāng yì sù

This idiom refers to charitable donations of food and money given to people in need. It describes th…

人极计生

rén jí jì shēng

When a person is pushed to the absolute limit or into a desperate predicament, resourcefulness and c…

人急智生

rén jí zhì shēng

When a person is in a desperate or urgent situation, a clever idea suddenly comes to mind. It descri…

人己一视

rén jǐ yī shì

To treat others as one would treat oneself. It describes a person who shows no favoritism or selfish…

人面兽心

rén miàn shòu xīn

Describes a person who appears human on the outside but possesses a cruel, savage, or immoral nature…

人穷智短

rén qióng zhì duǎn

When a person falls into poverty or desperate circumstances, their mind becomes sluggish and their o…

人情世态

rén qíng shì tai

The ways of the world and the dynamics of human relationships. It refers to the customs, sentiments,…

人取我与

rén qǔ wǒ yǔ

A merchant's strategy of hoarding goods when market demand surges and selling them later at a premiu…

仁人义士

rén rén yì shì

A person of virtue who upholds moral integrity and righteousness. It describes individuals who posse…

人神共愤

rén shén gòng fèn

Both humans and gods are enraged. It describes a situation where public indignation is extreme and u…

人神同嫉

rén shén tóng jí

Both mortals and the gods despise and loathe someone or something, to the point that even heaven can…

人山人海

rén shān rén hǎi

Describes a place filled with an enormous, dense crowd of people. The sheer number of people makes t…

人所共知

rén suǒ gòng zhī

Known by everyone; common knowledge. It refers to something so universally recognized that it needs …

人亡家破

rén wáng jiā pò

People die and the family is ruined. It describes the tragic state of a household that has suffered …

人微望轻

rén wēi wàng qīng

Refers to a person of low status and insufficient prestige or reputation. It is most often used as a…

人心难测

rén xīn nán cè

This idiom conveys that a person's inner thoughts, intentions, and true character are extremely diff…

人怨神怒

rén yuàn shén nù

Describes public indignation so extreme that even the gods are angered. It conveys that the people's…

仁言利溥

rén yán lì pǔ

Words spoken by a person of virtue bring great and widespread benefit. It emphasizes that moral and …

人一己百

rén yī jǐ bǎi

Others may learn or accomplish something in one try, but you do it a hundred times. The idiom is a m…

仁至义尽

rén zhì yì jìn

To have done everything possible out of benevolence and righteousness. It describes a situation wher…

人中龙虎

rén zhōng lóng hǔ

A metaphor for an outstanding hero among people—someone exceptional who stands out like a dragon or …

日薄西山

rì bó xī shān

The sun is nearing the western mountains, about to set. It metaphorically describes a person who is …

日复一日

rì fù yī rì

Day after day, one day following another. It describes the prolonged or monotonous passage of time, …

日渐月染

rì jiàn yuè rǎn

To be gradually influenced or transformed over a long period of time through constant exposure to ex…

日角偃月

rì jiǎo yǎn yuè

In classical Chinese physiognomy, this term describes the most noble and auspicious facial appearanc…

日久天长

rì jiǔ tiān cháng

Refers to a long passage of time or an extended duration. It conveys that something happens graduall…

日来月往

rì lái yuè wǎng

This idiom describes the passage of time as the sun and moon cycle through the sky. It conveys how d…

日累月积

rì lèi yuè jī

Describes the steady, long-term buildup of something over days and months. It refers to the gradual …

日暮途穷

rì mù tú qióng

The day is growing late and the road has come to an end. It metaphorically describes a situation whe…

日暮途远

rì mù tú yuǎn

The sun is setting and the road ahead is still long. It metaphorically describes a desperate situati…

日日夜夜

rì rì yè yè

Every day and every night; continuously without interruption. It describes an action or state that p…

日甚一日

rì shèn yī rì

Getting worse day by day. It describes a situation where something increases in intensity or severit…

日新月异

rì xīn yuè yì

Describes things that change and improve rapidly and constantly. It conveys the idea of continuous, …

日新月著

rì xīn yuè zhù

This idiom describes something that renews itself daily and becomes more visibly prominent month by …

日省月课

rì xǐng yuè kè

This idiom describes conducting frequent and regular inspections or assessments, checking on progres…

日省月试

rì xǐng yuè shì

To inspect daily and evaluate monthly. It describes the practice of consistently examining and appra…

日省月修

rì xǐng yuè xiū

To examine oneself daily and cultivate one's character monthly. It describes the practice of constan…

日许多时

rì xǔ duō shí

A phrase used to estimate the passage of time. It indicates that a considerable amount of time has a…

日月重光

rì yuè chóng guāng

The sun and moon shine brightly once more. It is a metaphor for a new era of clarity and order emerg…

日月合壁

rì yuè hé bì

The sun and moon rise simultaneously on the first day of the lunar month, appearing as if joined tog…

日中则移

rì zhōng zé yí

When the sun reaches its highest point at noon, it inevitably begins to move downward. Figuratively,…

日中则昃

rì zhōng zé zè

When the sun reaches its zenith, it begins to decline toward the west. It is a metaphor that when so…

肉薄骨并

ròu bó gǔ bìng

Flesh presses against flesh and bones join with bones. This idiom describes the extreme intensity of…

肉袒面缚

ròu tǎn miàn fù

To bare one's upper body and have one's hands bound behind the back while facing the victor, showing…

荣古陋今

róng gǔ lòu jīn

To revere and praise the past while belittling or being harsh toward the present. It describes a min…

荣华富贵

róng huá fù guì

Refers to a life of great wealth, high social status, and material prosperity. It describes a person…

容头过身

róng tóu guò shēn

If the head can fit through, the body can pass. A metaphor for muddling through life and making do w…

融为一体

róng wéi yī tǐ

To blend or merge into a single whole. It describes how different things combine so seamlessly and n…

容膝之地

róng xī zhī dì

Describes an extremely cramped dwelling space, only large enough to fit one's knees. It conveys the …

柔筋脆骨

róu jīn cuì gǔ

Literally meaning soft sinews and brittle bones, this idiom metaphorically describes writing that is…

柔情媚态

róu qíng mèi tài

Describes a woman's gentle, tender, and charmingly alluring demeanor or bearing. It emphasizes a sof…

柔茹寡断

róu rú guǎ duàn

This idiom describes a person who is weak and indecisive when handling matters. Someone who is 柔茹寡断 …

柔枝嫩条

róu zhī nèn tiáo

Literally referring to soft and tender twigs. Metaphorically, it describes a graceful, beautiful you…

入地无门

rù dì wú mén

Describes being trapped in a desperate predicament with no possible way out. The image is of someone…

入国问俗

rù guó wèn sú

When entering a new country or place, one should first inquire about its local customs and tradition…

入骨相思

rù gǔ xiāng sī

Describes a feeling of longing so deep it penetrates the bones, persisting over time without fading.…

入火赴汤

rù huǒ fù tāng

This idiom describes willingly braving extreme danger and hardship without hesitation. It is a metap…

入室昻堂

rù shì shēng táng

This idiom is a metaphor for achieving profound mastery and deep understanding in scholarship, skill…

入室升堂

rù shì shēng táng

A metaphor for reaching a profound level of mastery in scholarship, skill, or art. It portrays someo…

入室操戈

rù shǐ cāo gē

To enter someone's house and seize their own weapon to attack them. Figuratively, it means to use an…

入孝出悌

rù xiào chū tì

This idiom means being filial to one's parents at home and respectful to one's elder brothers in soc…

入孝出弟

rù xiào chū tì

To be dutifully filial to one's parents when at home, and to treat elders with the same respect one …

如痴如梦

rú chī rú mèng

Describes being in a dazed, befuddled state, as if not fully awake or clear-minded. It conveys a sen…

如此而已

rú cǐ ér yǐ

It means 'that's all there is to it' or 'nothing more than this.' The phrase is used to downplay or …

如堕烟海

rú duò yān hǎi

Literally 'like falling into a sea of smoke.' It describes being completely lost and disoriented, un…

如花似玉

rú huā sì yù

As beautiful as a flower and as precious as jade. It describes a woman of outstanding beauty and gra…

如火如荼

rú huǒ rú tú

Literally 'like fire, like blooming rush grass.' It originally described the imposing spectacle of a…

如虎添翼

rú hǔ tiān yì

To become even more powerful. Adding strength to something already strong.

如胶似漆

rú jiāo sì qī

Like glue and lacquer bonding tightly together. It describes an intensely close, inseparable relatio…

如履薄冰

rú lǚ bó bīng

Literally 'like treading on thin ice.' It describes someone acting with extreme caution and vigilanc…

如履平地

rú lǚ píng dì

Literally 'as if walking on flat ground.' It describes doing something with such ease and familiarit…

茹毛饮血

rú máo yǐn xuè

Literally 'eating fur and drinking blood.' It depicts the primitive lifestyle of early humans who ha…

如梦方醒

rú mèng fāng xǐng

Like just waking up from a dream. It is a metaphor for being confused or ignorant for a long time, a…

如丘而止

rú qiū ér zhǐ

To stop upon encountering a mound, meaning to give up when facing difficulties or obstacles. It desc…

如是我闻

rú shì wǒ wén

Literally 'thus have I heard,' this phrase is the traditional opening of Buddhist scriptures. It is …

如石投水

rú shí tóu shuǐ

Like a stone sinking into water without any resistance. It metaphorically describes people who get a…

如水投石

rú shǔ tóu shí

Like water thrown onto a stone, absolutely nothing penetrates. It describes speech or advice that fa…

如丧考妣

rú sàng kǎo bǐ

To grieve as though one had lost one's own parents. It describes extreme sorrow and anguish, compari…

如汤浇雪

rú tāng jiāo xuě

Like pouring hot water on snow. It describes something that is extremely easy to accomplish or resol…

如汤沃雪

rú tāng wò xuě

Like pouring hot water on snow — melting it instantly. It is a metaphor for something being extremel…

如原以偿

rú yuán yǐ cháng

This idiom means that one's wishes or desires are fulfilled and realized. It describes the satisfact…

如蝇逐臭

rú yíng zhú chòu

Literally 'like flies chasing after a bad smell.' It describes people who flock to flatter and attac…

如鱼似水

rú yú sì shuǐ

A metaphor for a harmonious and intimate relationship between people, as natural and inseparable as …

如指诸掌

rú zhǐ zhū zhǎng

To be extremely familiar with or thoroughly understand something. The idiom conveys that one knows a…

如醉如狂

rú zuì rú kuáng

Describes a state of being so mentally unbalanced that one cannot control oneself. It can also refer…

如醉如梦

rú zuì rú mèng

Describes being in a dazed, befuddled state, as if intoxicated or dreaming and unable to think clear…

如坐针毡

rú zuò zhēn zhān

To be in an extremely uncomfortable or anxious position. Feeling restless and uneasy.

忍辱含垢

rěn rǔ hán gòu

To endure humiliation and swallow disgrace with patience. It describes someone who bears insults and…

稔恶不悛

rěn è bù quān

To persist in wrongdoing for a long time without ever repenting or mending one's ways. It describes …

染苍染黄

rǎn cāng rǎn huáng

Literally referring to silk taking on whatever color it is dyed. It serves as a metaphor for someone…

染风习俗

rǎn fēng xí sú

To be influenced by local customs and gradually acquire their habits. It describes how a person's be…

染蓝涅皂

rǎn lán niè zǎo

To smear or dab colors recklessly. 'Nie' means to dye or blacken, and 'zao' means black. The idiom o…

乳间股脚

rǔ jiān gǔ jiǎo

A metaphor for a place or situation one mistakenly considers safe and secure. It originates from the…

辱门败户

rǔ mén bài hù

To bring shame and disgrace upon one's family and household. It describes behavior that ruins the fa…

拾掇无遗

shi duo wu yi

To pick up and collect everything completely, leaving nothing behind. It describes an act of gatheri…

率马以骥

shuài mǎ yǐ jì

To lead a herd of horses by placing a fine horse at the front, so the rest naturally follow. Figurat…

率土归心

shuài tǔ guī xīn

All the people within the four seas turn their hearts toward a ruler, signifying that the entire rea…

率由旧则

shuài yóu jiù zé

To entirely follow established old rules and regulations. It describes acting strictly according to …

率以为常

shuài yǐ wéi cháng

To become a regular practice or habit, so that an action is done so often it is taken for granted as…

硕大无比

shuò dà wú bǐ

Describes something exceptionally large, so great in size that nothing can rival or compare with it.…

铄金毁骨

shuò jīn huǐ gǔ

Literally meaning 'melting gold and destroying bones,' this idiom is a metaphor for how repeated sla…

槊血满袖

shuò xuè mǎn xiù

Describes a warrior wielding a spear so fiercely in combat that blood drenches their sleeves. It viv…

闩门闭户

shuān mén bì hù

To bolt the doors and shut up one's house tight. It describes a scene where all households have clos…

孀妻弱子

shuāng qī ruò zǐ

Refers to a widow and her young, helpless children—the most vulnerable members of society. It highli…

双栖双宿

shuāng qī shuāng sù

Literally describing a pair of birds that perch and roost together. It is a metaphor for a devoted c…

说长说短

shuō cháng shuō duǎn

To gossip about others, discussing their merits and faults. It describes idle chatter where people p…

说短道长

shuō duǎn dào cháng

To talk about others' shortcomings and merits. It describes the behavior of gossiping about people's…

说地谈天

shuō dì tán tiān

To talk about heaven and earth, covering every topic imaginable. It describes someone who is skilled…

说黄道黑

shuō huáng dào hēi

To speak recklessly and make irresponsible comments about people or things, talking about right and …

说梅止渴

shuō méi zhǐ kě

A metaphor for comforting oneself with empty fantasies when one's wishes cannot be realized. It is a…

说千道万

shuō qiān dào wàn

This idiom literally means 'to say a thousand things and mention ten thousand.' It describes talking…

说是道非

shuō shì dào fēi

To gossip and spread rumors about others' affairs. It refers to the act of discussing and judging wh…

说三道四

shuō sān dào sì

To make irresponsible and reckless remarks about others, often behind their backs. It refers to goss…

水碧山青

shuǐ bì shān qīng

Describes scenery where the water is jade-green and the mountains are verdant. It evokes a picturesq…

水滴石穿

shuǐ dī shí chuān

Persistent effort overcomes the hardest obstacles. Small actions repeated continuously accomplish gr…

水过鸭背

shuǐ guò yā bèi

Water slides right off a duck's back without soaking in. This idiom describes something that passes …

水尽山穷

shuǐ jìn shān qióng

The water and mountains have both come to an end. It metaphorically describes a situation where one …

水晶灯笼

shuǐ jīng dēng lóng

A metaphor for a person who can clearly discern right from wrong when dealing with matters. Like a c…

水流花落

shuǐ liú huā luò

Describes a drifting, unsettled life or someone whose whereabouts are unpredictable, likened to wate…

水流云散

shuǐ liú yún sàn

This idiom compares the passage of time to flowing water and scattering clouds, symbolizing how circ…

水落石出

shuǐ luò shí chū

The truth finally comes to light after a period of uncertainty. It describes a situation where hidde…

水石清华

shuǐ shí qīng huá

Describes garden scenery as clear, fresh, and elegantly beautiful, where water and rocks combine to …

水深火热

shuǐ shēn huǒ rè

A metaphor for extreme suffering, likening the people's misery to being plunged into ever-deeper wat…

水天一色

shuǐ tiān yī sè

The water and sky merge into a single hue, appearing indistinguishable at the horizon. It describes …

水宿山行

shuǐ xiǔ shān xíng

It describes spending the night by the water and traveling over the mountains by day. The idiom port…

水月镜花

shuǐ yuè jìng huā

Flowers in a mirror and the moon in the water. It refers to illusions or visions that appear beautif…

水中著盐

shuǐ zhōng zhuó yán

This idiom uses the image of salt dissolving in water—where the salt vanishes yet flavors the whole—…

善始善终

shàn shǐ shàn zhōng

Doing things with both a good beginning and a good ending. It describes handling affairs earnestly a…

善游者溺

shàn yóu zhě nì

A good swimmer is often the one who drowns. This idiom warns that overconfidence in one's own skill …

善与人交

shàn yǔ rén jiāo

Being skilled at making friends and getting along with others. It describes someone who has a natura…

上方宝剑

shàng fāng bǎo jiàn

The imperial sword specially crafted by the Shangfang bureau for the emperor's personal use. In anci…

上根大器

shàng gēn dà qì

A Buddhist term referring to a person of superior innate spiritual capacity and talent. More broadly…

上交不谄

shàng jiāo bù chǎn

When interacting with those in superior positions, one does not flatter or fawn upon them. The idiom…

上漏下湿

shàng lòu xià shī

Describes a house so dilapidated that the roof leaks and the floor is damp, offering no shelter from…

上南落北

shàng nán luò běi

To roam far and wide in all directions; to travel extensively between north and south. It conveys th…

上情下达

shàng qíng xià dá

This idiom describes the situation where information, policies, or intentions from those in higher p…

上天入地

shàng tiān rù dì

Literally means to rise into the sky and dive into the earth. It describes someone possessing extrao…

上雨旁风

shàng yǔ páng fēng

Describes a state of poverty where one's dwelling is old and dilapidated. Rain leaks in from above a…

上智下愚

shàng zhì xià yú

The wisest people and the most foolish people. Confucius believed that both the highest intelligence…

上焌下报

shàng zhēng xià bào

This idiom refers to incestuous sexual relations between people of different generations. In classic…

少年老成

shào nián lǎo chéng

Originally describing a young person who is remarkably mature and experienced beyond their years. In…

社会贤达

shè huì xián dá

Refers to prominent individuals who are not affiliated with any political party but possess broad so…

摄魄钩魂

shè pò gōu hún

An idiom describing the supernatural ability of demons, ghosts, or sorcerers to capture and extract …

歙漆阿胶

shè qī ē jiāo

The finest lacquer from She County and the best glue from Dong'e—both renowned for their tenacious a…

射石饮羽

shè shí yǐn yǔ

The arrow strikes stone with such force that the feather fletching vanishes into it. It originally d…

摄威擅势

shè wēi shàn shì

This idiom describes someone who usurps authority and monopolizes power to act in a domineering and …

射像止啼

shè xiàng zhǐ tí

A metaphor for having a reputation so formidable and awe-inspiring that it frightens people into sub…

设心积虑

shè xīn jī lǜ

A variant of 处心积虑, meaning to deliberately scheme and rack one's brains with sustained effort over a…

甚嚣尘上

shèn xiāo chén shàng

Originally described the clamor of voices and clouds of dust stirred up in a military camp preparing…

慎小事微

shèn xiǎo shì wēi

Be cautious and attentive to small and seemingly insignificant matters. This idiom emphasizes that o…

慎重其事

shèn zhòng qí shì

To treat a matter with gravity and earnestness, showing a serious and conscientious attitude. It des…

慎终于始

shèn zhōng yú shǐ

This idiom means that if one wishes to be careful and thorough at the conclusion of an endeavor, one…

慎终追远

shèn zhōng zhuī yuǎn

Originally referring to handling parents' funeral rites with great care and reverently offering sacr…

剩馥残膏

shèng fù cán gāo

Literally referring to the leftover cosmetics—fragrance and rouge—remaining after a woman has applie…

圣经贤传

shèng jīng xián zhuàn

An old term referring to the classics established by sages and the commentaries written by worthy sc…

盛宴难再

shèng yàn nán zài

A grand banquet is hard to encounter again. It is a metaphor for beautiful and memorable moments bei…

盛筵难再

shèng yán nán zài

A grand banquet is hard to come by a second time. This idiom metaphorically means that splendid occa…

舌敝耳聋

shé bì ěr lóng

The speaker's tongue is worn out and the listener's ears go deaf. It describes a situation where som…

舌锋如火

shé fēng rú huǒ

This idiom metaphorically describes speech that is extremely sharp and cutting. It compares the shar…

舌剑唇枪

shé jiàn chún qiāng

The tongue is like a sword and the lips are like spears. It describes a fierce debate where words ar…

蛇蝎为心

shé xiē wéi xīn

To have a heart as venomous as snakes and scorpions. It describes someone whose nature is extremely …

神不附体

shén bù fù tǐ

Describes a state of extreme distraction and unease, as if one's spirit has detached from the body. …

神不收舍

shén bù shōu shě

One's spirit has left its dwelling, describing a state of being utterly distracted, unsettled, and u…

神不守舍

shén bù shǒu shě

One's spirit has left its dwelling place, meaning one has lost their composure and feels deeply unse…

神采飞扬

shén cǎi fēi yáng

Describes someone who looks radiant, spirited, and full of energy, often from excitement or pride. I…

神采奕然

shén cǎi yì rán

Describes a person full of spirit and vitality, with a glowing and radiant demeanor. It conveys the …

神采奕奕

shén cǎi yì yì

Describes someone who appears energetic, radiant, and full of vitality. It conveys a glowing, spirit…

神道设教

shén dào shè jiào

Originally referring to the divine way of heaven—the awe-inspiring natural cosmic order—later came t…

神到之笔

shén dào zhī bǐ

A variant of the idiom 神来之笔, describing a passage of writing so brilliant it seems divinely inspired…

神鬼难测

shén guǐ nán cè

Something so mysterious and unfathomable that even gods and spirits cannot figure it out. It describ…

神工天巧

shén gōng tiān qiǎo

This idiom describes construction, architecture, or arrangements so exquisitely wrought that they se…

神号鬼泣

shén hào guǐ qì

A vivid description of loud, mournful wailing and crying as if spirits and ghosts themselves were we…

神魂颠倒

shén hún diān dǎo

To be so infatuated or captivated that one loses composure and acts in a bewildered, disordered mann…

神魂飞越

shén hún fēi yuè

Describes a state in which a writer's imagination soars freely and unrestrainedly, transcending ordi…

神魂摇荡

shén hún yáo dàng

Describes a state of mind where one's spirit and soul are unsettled, feeling dazed and unable to gat…

神来气旺

shén lái qì wàng

This idiom describes a state where one's fortune and vitality are flourishing. It suggests that a pe…

神领意造

shén lǐng yì zào

Describes the artistic process in which one grasps and gives form to artistic images through deep sp…

神妙莫测

shén miào mò cè

Something so extraordinary and marvelous that its workings cannot be grasped or anticipated. It desc…

神谟远算

shén mó yuǎn suàn

Refers to ingenious and far-sighted strategies or plans. It describes foresight and planning that is…

神气活现

shén qì huó xiàn

To strut around looking cocky and self-important, displaying an arrogant and smug demeanor. It descr…

神输鬼运

shén shū guǐ yùn

Describes transport that is extraordinarily swift and effortless, as if carried by gods and ghosts. …

神思恍惚

shén sī huǎng hū

To be in a daze with one's mind wandering and unable to concentrate. It describes a state where one'…

神往神来

shén wǎng shén lái

Refers to a deep spiritual or mental resonance between people, where minds connect and communicate b…

神武挂冠

shén wǔ guà guàn

To resign one's official post and withdraw into seclusion. It describes the act of giving up governm…

神閒气定

shén xián qì dìng

This idiom describes a state of being calm, composed, and unruffled. It conveys a sense of inner tra…

神安气集

shén ān qì jí

A state of inner tranquility in which the mind is composed and settled, and the body's vital energy …

绳趋尺步

shéng qū chǐ bù

Rope and ruler are tools carpenters use to measure straightness and length, metaphorically represent…

绳之以法

shéng zhī yǐ fǎ

To bring someone to justice by applying the law. It means to punish or sanction a wrongdoer accordin…

势不可挡

shì bù kě dǎng

An irresistible force or trend. Something so powerful that nothing can stand in its way.

誓不两立

shì bù liǎng lì

To swear that two opposing parties cannot coexist. It describes a situation where the hatred or enmi…

事不宜迟

shì bù yí chí

Matters should be handled promptly without delay. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action quickly…

士饱马腾

shì bǎo mǎ téng

The idiom describes an army that is well-provisioned and brimming with high morale. Soldiers are wel…

世道人心

shì dào rén xīn

Refers to the prevailing social customs and the moral sentiments of the people. It captures the over…

舐犊情深

shì dú qíng shēn

A metaphor for the deep love and care parents have for their children. It evokes the image of an old…

是非口舌

shì fēi kǒu shé

Trouble, disputes, or misunderstandings caused by careless or provocative speech. It refers to quarr…

饰非遂过

shì fēi suí guò

This idiom describes the act of glossing over one's mistakes, which only allows those errors to pers…

饰非掩过

shì fēi yǎn guò

To whitewash and conceal one's own errors, faults, or wrongdoings rather than admitting them openly.…

是非之心

shì fēi zhī xīn

The faculty of mind that distinguishes right from wrong. It refers to a person's innate moral sense …

世风日下

shì fēng rì xià

The moral tone and social customs of society are declining day by day. It is used to lament that pub…

事火咒龙

shì huǒ zhòu lóng

A metaphor for absurd and superstitious practices or beliefs. The phrase combines two ancient ritual…

事捷功倍

shì jié gōng bèi

Tasks are easy to accomplish yet yield great results. It describes a situation where minimal effort …

市井之臣

shì jǐng zhī chén

In ancient China, 市井 referred to the marketplace where trade was conducted. This idiom denotes ordin…

事款则圆

shì kuǎn zé yuán

When faced with difficulties, taking a calm and unhurried approach leads to a satisfactory resolutio…

适可而止

shì kě ér zhǐ

To know when to stop before going too far. To stop at the right moment.

市民文学

shì mín wén xué

A genre of literature that emerged in the later feudal period of China, created to meet the cultural…

恃强凌弱

shì qiáng líng ruò

To rely on one's strength to oppress and bully those who are weaker. It describes the behavior of po…

事齐事楚

shì qí shì chǔ

To be caught between two powerful states, forced to choose allegiance to one or the other without be…

势倾天下

shì qīng tiān xià

This idiom describes someone whose power and influence are so overwhelming that they dominate everyo…

势若脱兔

shì ruò tuō tù

This idiom describes an attack so swift and overwhelming that it resembles a fleeing rabbit darting …

视若儿戏

shì ruò ér xì

To treat something as if it were a mere child's game, showing extreme disregard and lack of seriousn…

是是非非

shì shì fēi fēi

To affirm what is right as right and reject what is wrong as wrong. It describes a person who distin…

世俗之见

shì sú zhī jiàn

A vulgar or conventional view held by ordinary people. It refers to shallow, commonplace opinions th…

誓死不屈

shì sǐ bù qū

To vow to die rather than submit or yield. It describes a person who remains steadfast and refuses t…

视死如归

shì sǐ rú guī

To face death as calmly as returning home. It describes someone who is fearless in the face of death…

士死知己

shì sǐ zhī jǐ

A person of talent and virtue is willing to sacrifice their life to repay someone who truly understa…

视同路人

shì tóng lù rén

To treat someone as a stranger one passes on the road. This idiom describes a state of extreme estra…

誓同生死

shì tóng shēng sǐ

To pledge to live and die together. It describes an extremely close, inseparable bond between people…

世外桃源

shì wài táo yuán

A metaphor for an idealized, secluded place far from the troubles of the real world. It describes a …

视为畏途

shì wéi wèi tú

To regard something as a fearsome path or perilous journey. It describes treating a task or situatio…

市无二价

shì wú èr jià

In the marketplace there are no two prices for the same good — commerce is fair, honest, and free fr…

事往日迁

shì wǎng rì qiān

This idiom conveys that both the events themselves and the time in which they occurred have already …

视下如伤

shì xià rú shāng

To treat the common people with the same tender care as one would treat the sick or wounded. It desc…

事预则立

shì yù zé lì

Whatever you do, prior preparation leads to success, while lack of preparation leads to failure. It …

十病九痛

shí bìng jiǔ tòng

Describes a person who is plagued by numerous ailments all over the body, constantly unwell. It conv…

食不重味

shí bù chóng wèi

To eat without having two dishes at a meal. It describes a lifestyle of frugality and simple living,…

食不充肠

shí bù chōng cháng

Literally meaning food does not fill the intestines, this idiom describes a state of extreme hunger …

食不充饥

shí bù chōng jī

Refers to not having enough food to satisfy one's hunger; describes a life of extreme poverty and de…

时不我与

shí bù wǒ yǔ

Time will not wait for us. It is a lamentation that opportunities have been missed and it is now too…

食不下咽

shí bù xià yàn

Food cannot be swallowed. It describes being so worried or anxious that one loses all appetite and c…

食不重肉

shí bù zhóng ròu

Not having two meat dishes at a single meal. The idiom describes a person who eats frugally and live…

时不再来

shí bù zài lái

Time and opportunity will not come again. The idiom warns that once a favorable moment passes it can…

石沉大海

shí chén dà hǎi

A stone sinking to the bottom of the sea. It is used metaphorically to describe a message, letter, o…

拾带重还

shí dài zhòng huán

A metaphor for picking up lost valuables and returning them to their rightful owner rather than keep…

剸繁治剧

shí fán zhì jù

This idiom refers to the ability to handle and decide upon complicated and arduous governmental affa…

食藿悬鹑

shí huò xuán chún

A classical idiom describing extreme poverty and destitution. '食藿' means subsisting on bean leaves a…

石火风灯

shí huǒ fēng dēng

A metaphor for something extremely brief and fleeting. It likens the transience of life and worldly …

时和岁丰

shí hé suì fēng

The seasons are mild and the harvest is plentiful. It is used to praise a time of peace and prosperi…

时和岁稔

shí hé suì rěn

Describes a time when the seasons are favorable and the grain harvest is bountiful. It is used to pr…

十拷九棒

shí kǎo jiǔ bàng

Refers to severe interrogation carried out under brutal physical torture. The phrase depicts repeate…

时来运来

shí lái yùn lái

When one was in an unfavorable situation, a favorable opportunity arrives and one's fortunes begin t…

时来运转

shí lái yùn zhuǎn

Originally referred to the arrival of a favorable moment when one's fate takes a turn for the better…

十面埋伏

shí miàn mái fú

This idiom literally means setting ambush troops on all ten sides to encircle and annihilate the ene…

食毛践土

shí máo jiàn tǔ

Literally 'eating the produce and treading the soil of the land.' It originally referred to the fact…

食马留肝

shí mǎ liú gān

Literally meaning to eat horse meat but leave the liver behind. It is used metaphorically to describ…

石破天惊

shí pò tiān jīng

Originally described the extraordinary sound of the konghou (an ancient stringed instrument), so pow…

食亲财黑

shí qīn cái hēi

Describes a person who is so greedy that they would even cheat their own family out of money. The id…

十人九慕

shí rén jiǔ mù

Out of ten people, nine will admire the person. It describes someone whose talent and appearance are…

拾人涕唾

shí rén tì tuò

Literally meaning 'picking up other people's snot and spit,' this idiom is a derogatory metaphor for…

十日并出

shí rì bìng chū

Literally refers to the ancient Chinese myth in which ten suns appeared in the sky at the same time,…

十室九匮

shí shì jiǔ kuì

Literally 'nine out of ten households are impoverished.' It describes a scene of widespread poverty …

实事求是

shí shì qiú shì

To approach problems objectively and seek truth from concrete facts rather than from preconceived no…

识时通变

shí shí tōng biàn

This idiom means to clearly recognize the current situation and trends, and to be flexible and adapt…

十生九死

shí shēng jiǔ sǐ

To describe having gone through extreme dangers and hardships, barely surviving. It conveys the expe…

识文断字

shí wén duàn zì

To be literate; to possess basic reading ability and a modest level of education. It describes someo…

什袭而藏

shí xī ér cáng

To wrap something in multiple layers and carefully store it away, indicating that one treasures and …

时易世变

shí yì shì biàn

Times change and the world changes along with them. It describes how eras and social conditions shif…

时移势易

shí yí shì yì

Times change and circumstances shift accordingly. This idiom expresses that as eras pass, the prevai…

十有八九

shí yǒu bā jiǔ

Out of ten, eight or nine times; the overwhelming majority of cases. It expresses that something is …

十战十胜

shí zhàn shí shèng

To win every battle one fights, achieving victory in each and every engagement. The phrase describes…

十字街口

shí zì jiē kǒu

Literally meaning 'ten-character street crossing,' this idiom refers to a crossroads or intersection…

食子徇君

shí zǐ xùn jūn

Refers to eating one's own son's flesh to curry favor and win merit from one's ruler. It describes a…

十恶不赦

shí è bù shè

This idiom describes crimes so heinous that they cannot be forgiven or pardoned. It originates from …

十二金牌

shí èr jīn pái

Refers to the twelve gold-lettered tablets sent in a single day by the Song court to recall General …

寿不压职

shòu bù yā zhí

Rank and official position take precedence over a person's age or seniority. In formal or organizati…

寿比南山

shòu bǐ nán shān

A wish that one's lifespan be as long-lasting as the Southern Mountain. It is used to wish someone l…

瘦骨梭棱

shòu gǔ léng léng

Describes a person or animal so emaciated that their bones visibly protrude, giving the body a sharp…

兽穷则啮

shòu qióng zé niè

When a beast is cornered, it will bite in desperation. Metaphorically, it describes how a person pus…

瘦羊博士

shòu yáng bó shì

Refers to a person who can restrain their own desires and yield to others. It describes someone who …

束兵秣马

shù bīng mò mǎ

A variant of the idiom 厉兵秣马. It describes the act of making active preparations for battle, includin…

束椽为柱

shù chuán wéi zhù

Binding rafters together to serve as structural pillars. It is a metaphor for using small or inadequ…

束带结发

shù dài jié fā

To gird one's robe and bind up one's hair in a formal topknot. This describes the act of dressing fo…

束广就狭

shù guǎng jiù xiá

This idiom describes the act of condensing rich or extensive content into very few words or a concis…

束马悬车

shù mǎ xuán chē

To wrap the hooves of horses and hoist carts up a mountain. It describes the extreme difficulty and …

漱石枕流

shù shí zhěn liú

Literally 'rinsing with a stone and pillowing on a stream,' this idiom refers to living in seclusion…

束身就缚

shù shēn jiù fù

To bind one's own body and submit to being tied up. This idiom describes a person who surrenders wil…

束身自爱

shù shēn zì ài

To discipline oneself and preserve one's moral integrity, refraining from associating with bad peopl…

束手待毙

shù shǒu dài bì

Literally to tie one's hands and await death. It describes a situation where someone gives up withou…

束手无措

shù shǒu wú cuò

Describes a situation where one is so helpless that it is as if their hands are tied, leaving them c…

束手无策

shù shǒu wú cè

To feel completely helpless, as if one's hands are tied. It describes a situation where a person fac…

束在高阁

shù zài gāo gé

To bundle something up and place it on a high shelf. It is a metaphor for setting something aside an…

顺过饰非

shùn guò shì fēi

To go along with others' mistakes out of favoritism and cover up their errors. It describes someone …

顺美匡恶

shùn měi kuāng è

To praise and promote what is good and virtuous, while correcting and remedying what is wrong. It de…

顺水行舟

shùn shuǐ xíng zhōu

To sail a boat downstream with the current. Metaphorically, it means adapting one's words and action…

顺天应时

shùn tiān yīng shí

To comply with the will of Heaven and adapt to the prevailing circumstances. It emphasizes acting in…

熟能生巧

shú néng shēng qiǎo

Through repeated practice, one naturally develops skill and proficiency. The idiom teaches that mast…

杀鸡儆猴

shā jī jǐng hóu

To punish one person as a warning to others. It is a strategy where a minor offender is made an exam…

杀鸡抹脖

shā jī mǒ bó

Literally 'killing a chicken and wiping the neck,' describing the gesture of drawing one's hand acro…

杀鸡为黍

shā jī wéi shǔ

This idiom describes hospitably and sincerely entertaining guests by preparing a hearty meal. It ori…

砂里淘金

shā lǐ táo jīn

To pan gold from sand. It metaphorically means extracting the essence or most valuable parts from a …

杀人放火

shā rén fàng huǒ

To murder and commit arson — utterly lawless, violent criminal behavior. The idiom describes outlaws…

杀人如蒿

shā rén rú hāo

Describes killing people in such vast numbers that they cannot be counted. It is a variant of the mo…

杀人盈野

shā rén yíng yě

The slain fill the countryside. It describes a situation where enormous numbers of people are killed…

杀一砺百

shā yī lì bǎi

To execute one person in order to warn and deter a hundred others. It is a variant of the more commo…

筛锣擂鼓

shāi luó léi gǔ

To beat gongs and drums, making a loud, clamorous noise. It describes a boisterous uproar or commoti…

山崩地坼

shān bēng dì chè

Mountains crumble and the earth splits open. It is used to describe an immensely loud, resounding no…

煽风点火

shān fēng diǎn huǒ

To secretly encourage or stir up trouble by inciting others, much like fanning a fire to make it spr…

山高水低

shān gāo shuǐ dī

A euphemism for an unfortunate event, most often referring to a person's death. The phrase gently hi…

山公倒载

shān gōng dǎo zǎi

Literally 'Lord Shan loaded inverted onto a cart,' this idiom describes someone so intoxicated that …

山鸡舞镜

shān jī wǔ jìng

Literally referring to a pheasant dancing before its own reflection in a mirror, this idiom describe…

山枯石死

shān kū shí sǐ

Describes something of immeasurably great age or antiquity. The imagery of mountains withering and s…

山明水秀

shān míng shuǐ xiù

The mountains are bright and the waters are beautiful. It describes scenery of outstanding natural b…

山木自寇

shān mù zì kòu

Mountain trees, having grown into useful timber, are cut down by people. This idiom metaphorically d…

山穷水绝

shān qióng shuǐ jué

This idiom describes a situation where one has reached a complete dead end with no way forward. It m…

山穷水尽

shān qióng shuǐ jìn

Describes a situation where all resources and options have been completely depleted, leaving a perso…

山栖谷饮

shān qī gǔ yǐn

To live in the mountains and drink from valley springs. This idiom describes a life of peaceful secl…

山童石烂

shān tóng shí làn

The idiom depicts mountains stripped of all vegetation and stones decaying into dust. It serves as a…

山遥路远

shān yáo lù yuǎn

Describes a journey that is long and distant. It conveys the hardship and distance one must travel t…

苫眼铺眉

shān yǎn pū méi

To glare with wide eyes and raise one's eyebrows in an exaggerated manner. It describes someone who …

山珍海错

shān zhēn hǎi cuò

The term '海错' (hǎi cuò) refers to the great variety of seafood. Together the idiom describes preciou…

山珍海味

shān zhēn hǎi wèi

Refers to precious delicacies gathered from the mountains and seas, representing luxurious and abund…

山止川行

shān zhǐ chuān xíng

This idiom pairs two images from nature—mountains that stand immovable and rivers that flow ceaseles…

山陬海澨

shān zōu hǎi shì

Refers to the most remote and desolate corners of the world — places where mountains meet the sea in…

伤筋动骨

shāng jīn dòng gǔ

Originally referring to a severe physical injury affecting muscles and bones. Metaphorically, it mea…

伤心惨目

shāng xīn cǎn mù

So tragic and sorrowful that it breaks one's heart and is unbearable to look at. It describes a scen…

烧琴煮鹤

shāo qín zhǔ hè

To burn a qin (zither) as firewood and cook a crane for food. It is a metaphor for ruining or wastin…

深仇大恨

shēn chóu dà hèn

Refers to profound and intense hatred or enmity between parties. It describes a grudge so deep-roote…

深仇宿怨

shēn chóu xiǔ yuàn

Deep-seated enmity and long-standing grievances accumulated over time. It describes a profound hatre…

身单力薄

shēn dān lì bó

Describes a person who is alone and physically weak, lacking both numbers and strength to accomplish…

深根蟠结

shēn gēn pán jié

Describes evil forces or corrupt influences that have deep foundations and are tightly intertwined, …

身寄虎吻

shēn jì hǔ wěn

Literally meaning 'to place one's body in a tiger's mouth,' this idiom describes a situation of extr…

身经百战

shēn jīng bǎi zhàn

Literally 'to have personally experienced a hundred battles.' It describes someone who has been thro…

深居简出

shēn jū jiǎn chū

Originally referred to wild beasts hiding in dense, remote places and rarely appearing. By extension…

身临其境

shēn lín qí jìng

To feel as though one is personally present in a situation or scene. It describes the vivid, immersi…

身名俱败

shēn míng jù bài

Both one's life and one's good name are destroyed together. It describes total ruin in which a perso…

身名两泰

shēn míng liǎng tai

Both one's reputation and social standing are secure and stable. It describes a life of comfort and …

深切著明

shēn qiè zhù míng

Profound and unmistakably clear. It describes a statement, argument, or principle that is expressed …

深切着白

shēn qiē zhe bái

Profound yet clearly evident. It describes ideas, observations, or expressions that are both deeply …

深情厚意

shēn qíng hòu yì

An expression describing deep and sincere feelings of affection and friendship toward someone. It co…

深情厚谊

shēn qíng hòu yì

Deep affection and profound friendship. It describes a strong emotional bond and sincere goodwill be…

深入浅出

shēn rù qiǎn chū

This idiom describes speech or writing whose content is profound but whose language is simple and ea…

参商之虞

shēn shāng zhī yú

参 (Shen) and 商 (Shang) are two stars that rise and set alternately, never appearing together in the …

深思苦索

shēn sī kǔ suǒ

To think deeply and search painfully; to rack one's brains pondering a problem. It describes the int…

深思熟虑

shēn sī shú lǜ

To think deeply and carefully about something, weighing all aspects before acting. It emphasizes tho…

伸头探脑

shēn tóu tàn nǎo

To keep craning and stretching one's head to peer around. It describes someone who hesitates and wat…

深惟重虑

shēn wéi zhòng lǜ

To deliberate deeply and weigh matters carefully. It describes someone who plans thoroughly with far…

深恶痛绝

shēn wù tòng jué

To detest and bitterly reject someone or something to the utmost degree. It conveys an intense, deep…

身无长物

shēn wú cháng wù

To have nothing of value beyond one's own person. It describes someone who is extremely poor, posses…

身微力薄

shēn wēi lì báo

Describes a person of low social standing with little wealth or power. It conveys a sense of insigni…

身先朝露

shēn xiān cháo lù

The body disappears even faster than morning dew evaporates. It is a metaphor for dying very quickly…

生不逢辰

shēng bù féng chén

Born without encountering a good time. An old expression indicating bad fate or being born at the wr…

生齿日繁

shēng chǐ rì fán

The population grows more numerous day by day. It describes a steady increase in the number of peopl…

生动活泼

shēng dòng huó pō

Vivid and lively, full of life and energy. It describes content, forms, or atmospheres that are rich…

声动梁尘

shēng dòng liáng chén

Describes singing so resonant and powerful that it seems to shake the dust from the roof beams. It c…

生发未燥

shēng fà wèi zào

Literally meaning 'birth hair not yet dry,' this idiom refers to infancy or earliest childhood. It i…

笙歌鼎沸

shēng gē dǐng fèi

Literally 'mouth-organ music and singing boiling like a cauldron,' it describes a scene of music and…

声价十倍

shēng jià shí bèi

One's reputation and social status increase tenfold. It describes a dramatic rise in fame and standi…

生龙活虎

shēng lóng huó hǔ

Describes someone or something that is lively, vigorous, and full of vitality, like a living dragon …

声情并茂

shēng qíng bìng mào

Describes a vocal performance where both the technical quality of the voice and the emotional expres…

声势浩大

shēng shì hào dà

This idiom describes something with tremendous momentum and an imposing presence. It conveys that a …

生生不息

shēng shēng bù xī

To grow, reproduce, and thrive in an endless cycle without ceasing. It describes the unbroken vitali…

生生死死

shēng shēng sǐ sǐ

Literally 'life and death, life and death,' this idiom refers to an entire lifetime, from birth to d…

声嘶力竭

shēng sī lì jié

声嘶力竭 describes a state of shouting until one's voice becomes hoarse and one's strength is completely…

生死肉骨

shēng sǐ ròu gǔ

Used as verbs, "sheng" means to bring the dead back to life and "rou" means to grow flesh on bare bo…

生死予夺

shēng sǐ yǔ duó

Refers to the absolute power to decide who lives and who dies, and to grant rewards or impose punish…

生死与共

shēng sǐ yǔ gòng

To share life and death together; to stand by one another through the most extreme circumstances. It…

声誉鹊起

shēng yù què qǐ

This idiom describes a person's reputation or fame rising rapidly and conspicuously. The imagery lik…

声振林木

shēng zhèn lín mù

Describes singing or instrumental music so loud and resonant that it seems to shake the trees of the…

声振屋瓦

shēng zhèn wū wǎ

The sound shakes the roof tiles of a house. It describes a shout or cry that is extremely loud, powe…

生众食寡

shēng zhòng shí guǎ

More producers and fewer consumers. It describes a situation where production exceeds consumption, l…

舍本逐末

shě běn zhú mò

To focus on trivial matters while neglecting the essential. To lose sight of what's truly important.

舍己为人

shě jǐ wèi rén

To sacrifice one's own interests, benefits, or even safety for the sake of other people. It describe…

舍己芸人

shě jǐ yún rén

This idiom describes someone who neglects their own affairs to busy themselves with other people's m…

舍死忘生

shě sǐ wàng shēng

To disregard one's own life and death, willing to sacrifice oneself without hesitation. It describes…

省吃俭用

shěng chī jiǎn yòng

Describes a lifestyle of extreme frugality, where one saves on food and limits daily expenses. It em…

诗肠鼓吹

shī chá gǔ chuì

Refers to the oriole's song stirring one's poetic inspiration, much like a drum-and-wind military ba…

师出无名

shī chū wú míng

To launch a military campaign without a legitimate cause. By extension, it means to undertake any ac…

失道寡助

shī dào guǎ zhù

Those who act against morality and justice will inevitably find themselves with few allies or suppor…

失魂丧胆

shī hún sàng dǎn

Describes a state of extreme panic and terror. It depicts someone so thoroughly frightened that they…

失精落彩

shī jīng luò cǎi

This idiom describes a person who is listless and dispirited, completely drained of energy and vital…

尸居余气

shī jū yú qì

Literally describing someone who is like a corpse yet still has a last trace of breath, referring to…

诗礼人家

shī lǐ rén jiā

A household that for generations has devoted itself to classical learning and observed traditional C…

诗礼之家

shī lǐ zhī jiā

A family that for generations has prized literary learning and proper etiquette. '诗' refers to the B…

施仁布德

shī rén bù dé

To practice benevolence and bestow virtue through kind deeds. It describes a ruler or leader who gov…

刓方为圆

shū fāng wéi yuán

To shave the corners off a square block to make it round. It metaphorically means abandoning one's u…

书香门户

shū xiāng mén hù

Refers to a family that has produced scholars and literary people for generations. It describes a ho…

书香世家

shū xiāng shì jiā

A family that has produced scholars and readers for many generations. It refers to a household with …

输心服意

shū xīn fú yì

To genuinely submit and obey from the bottom of one's heart. It describes a state of sincere convict…

梳妆打扮

shū zhuāng dǎ bàn

To groom oneself by combing the hair, applying makeup, and dressing up. It refers to the act of ador…

赏不逾日

shǎng bù yú rì

Rewards must be given promptly, without delay beyond the same day. It emphasizes that timely recogni…

赏善罚否

shǎng shàn fá fǒu

To reward good people and good deeds while punishing bad people and bad deeds. It is synonymous with…

赏贤罚暴

shǎng xián fá bào

To reward the worthy and virtuous while punishing the cruel and tyrannical. It refers to the princip…

赏信罚明

shǎng xìn fá míng

To handle affairs strictly and fairly, rewarding those who are trustworthy and punishing wrongdoers …

赏心悦目

shǎng xīn yuè mù

Describes something — typically scenery, art, or music — that is deeply satisfying both emotionally …

赏一劝百

shǎng yī quàn bǎi

By rewarding one person's exemplary conduct, you encourage many others to emulate it. It describes a…

赏一劝众

shǎng yī quàn zhòng

To reward one person as a way to encourage the many. It describes a leadership strategy where recogn…

少见多怪

shǎo jiàn duō guài

A person with limited experience finds unfamiliar things strange or surprising. It is often used to …

始末原由

shǐ mò yuán yóu

The entire course of events from beginning to end, along with the underlying causes and reasons. It …

始末缘由

shǐ mò yuán yóu

The entire course of events and the underlying reasons behind them. It refers to understanding or re…

矢石之难

shǐ shí zhī nán

A calamity or peril encountered in warfare. The term refers to the arrows and stones (missiles) used…

史无前例

shǐ wú qián lì

An event or situation that has never occurred in recorded history; completely unprecedented. It desc…

使心别气

shǐ xīn bié qì

This idiom refers to losing one's temper or throwing a fit. It describes a person who becomes visibl…

使心作倖

shǐ xīn zuò xìng

To scheme and plot using clever calculations. It describes someone who uses cunning and stratagems t…

手不释卷

shǒu bù shì juàn

To be so fond of reading that one always has a book in hand and cannot bear to put it down. It descr…

手不应心

shǒu bù yīng xīn

The hands cannot keep up with what the heart intends — one's ability falls short of one's ambition. …

首丘之情

shǒu qiū zhī qíng

The feeling of a fox turning its head toward its birth hill as it dies. It is a metaphor for never f…

守土有责

shǒu tǔ yǒu zé

Refers to the duty of military personnel or local officials to defend the territory under their char…

守望相助

shǒu wàng xiāng zhù

Neighbors keep watch for one another and come to each other's aid against invaders or disasters. The…

手无寸刃

shǒu wú cùn rèn

Describes a person who is completely unarmed, holding no weapon of any kind. It emphasizes extreme v…

首尾共济

shǒu wěi gòng jì

This idiom means mutual support and assistance from beginning to end. It emphasizes that all parts w…

首尾相继

shǒu wěi xiāng jì

Describes things or events joined end to end, following one after another without interruption. It c…

首尾相援

shǒu wěi xiāng yuán

The front and rear provide mutual support to each other. It describes a situation where different pa…

手下留情

shǒu xià liú qíng

To show mercy or leniency when taking action against someone. It means to hold back and not be too h…

手眼通天

shǒu yǎn tōng tiān

Literally 'hands and eyes reaching to heaven,' this idiom is a metaphor for someone with extraordina…

守正不回

shǒu zhèng bù huí

To hold firm to the right path and refuse to bend or compromise one's principles. It describes someo…

守正不桡

shǒu zhèng bù ráo

To handle matters with fairness and integrity, refusing to bend to pressure or show favoritism. It d…

守正不阿

shǒu zhèng bù ē

To uphold justice and fairness without bending to personal interests or favoritism. It describes a p…

守株待兔

shǒu zhū dài tù

To wait idly for opportunities instead of taking initiative. To rely on chance or past luck rather t…

手足无措

shǒu zú wú cuò

Describes a state of such extreme fluster or panic that one does not know where to put their hands a…

首足异处

shǒu zú yì chǔ

The head and feet are separated into different places. It describes death by execution or slaughter,…

鼠窜狼奔

shǔ cuàn láng bēn

Describes a scene of fleeing in panic and disarray, like rats scurrying and wolves running. It conve…

鼠盗狗窃

shǔ dào gǒu qiè

Describes petty theft and minor pilfering, comparing thieves to scurrying rats and sneaking dogs. It…

鼠目寸光

shǔ mù cùn guāng

Literally 'a rat's eyes can only see an inch of light.' It describes someone who is short-sighted an…

鼠目獐头

shǔ mù zhāng tóu

Describes a person with small round eyes like a mouse and a narrow pointed head like a roe deer, giv…

鼠齧虫穿

shǔ niè chóng chuān

Describes the damage caused by rats gnawing and insects boring through objects such as books, wooden…

鼠凭社贵

shǔ píng shè guì

A rat builds its nest beneath the earth-god shrine so that people dare not dig it out. It is a metap…

鼠窃狗偷

shǔ qiè gǒu tōu

Like rats stealing small amounts and dogs sneaking off with scraps. It refers to petty theft or mino…

属人耳目

shǔ rén ěr mù

属 means to concentrate or focus on a single point. The idiom describes something that draws people's…

数一数二

shǔ yī shǔ èr

Describes someone or something that ranks among the very best, outstanding and prominent. If not fir…

顺风驶船

shǔn fēng shǐ chuán

A metaphor for going along with the prevailing trend or opinion without independent thought. It desc…

碎骨粉身

suì gǔ fěn shēn

To die, often for a noble cause or purpose. It describes the ultimate sacrifice of giving one's life…

岁稔年丰

suì rěn nián fēng

This idiom describes a year of bumper agricultural harvest. The character 稔 means crops ripen and ma…

碎身粉骨

suì shēn fěn gǔ

The body is shattered and the bones crushed to powder. It denotes death, especially dying for a nobl…

遂心如意

suì xīn rú yì

To have everything turn out exactly as one's heart desires; to be fully satisfied and content. It de…

随波逐尘

suí bō zhú chén

This idiom means drifting along with the crowd without independent judgment or firm principles. It d…

随地随时

suí dì suí shí

This idiom means 'at any time and in any place' or 'everywhere and always.' It can also refer to act…

随行就市

suí háng jiù shì

To act according to the prevailing market conditions and prices. It describes pricing or trading beh…

遂心快意

suí xīn kuài yì

To have one's wishes fully satisfied and feel thoroughly content. It describes a situation where eve…

随圆就方

suí yuán jiù fāng

To adapt oneself to changing circumstances and situations; to be accommodating and tactful rather th…

随寓而安

suí yù ér ān

To adapt to one's environment and remain content in any situation or circumstance. It reflects a phi…

随遇而安

suí yù ér ān

It refers to adapting to one's circumstances and being content in any situation one finds oneself. T…

隋珠和璧

suí zhū hé bì

Refers to the legendary Pearl of Marquis Sui and the Heshibi jade disk, two of the most fabled treas…

虽死犹生

suī sǐ yóu shēng

Though physically dead, one's spirit lives on and their legacy endures as a model for others. It can…

缩头缩颈

suō tóu suō jǐng

Describes someone who shrinks back timidly, afraid to step forward or assert themselves. It evokes t…

索然无味

suǒ rán wú wèi

Describes something that is dry, dull, and devoid of interest or appeal, most often used of writings…

所向披靡

suǒ xiàng pī mǐ

Describes an overwhelming force that sweeps aside all obstacles and opposition wherever it goes. It …

塞翁得马

sài wēng dé mǎ

A metaphor for the unpredictability of fortune and misfortune, where good and bad outcomes are inter…

塞翁失马

sài wēng shī mǎ

A loss may turn out to be a gain, and vice versa. Fortune and misfortune are interconnected and hard…

散言碎语

sàn yán suì yǔ

Idle chatter and fragmented gossip; trifling remarks unrelated to the matter at hand. It describes r…

丧尽天良

sàng jìn tiān liáng

To have lost all sense of conscience and morality. It describes someone whose wickedness has reached…

丧权辱国

sàng quán rǔ guó

This idiom means to forfeit national sovereignty and bring disgrace upon one's country. It typically…

丧身失节

sàng shēn shī jié

To suffer humiliation and lose one's moral integrity or chastity. It describes a person whose virtue…

色如死灰

sè rú sǐ huī

Face as pale as ashes. It describes someone whose complexion has gone deathly pale, usually because …

四百四病

sì bǎi sì bìng

Literally referring to the ailments of the four limbs and hundred body parts across the four seasons…

似曾相识

sì céng xiāng shí

Literally 'seems to have been recognized before.' It describes the feeling that something encountere…

四分五落

sì fēn wǔ luò

This idiom describes a state of being scattered, dispersed, or in complete disarray. It is used when…

俟河之清

sì hé zhī qīng

To wait for the Yellow River to become clear. Since the Yellow River is perpetually muddy, this is a…

四海鼎沸

sì hǎi dǐng fèi

This idiom describes a state of widespread chaos and turmoil across the land. The phrase draws on th…

四海飘零

sì hǎi piāo líng

"Four seas" refers to all corners of the land, while "piao ling" likens a person to a withered leaf …

四海为家

sì hǎi wéi jiā

To feel at home anywhere in the world. To live freely without being tied to one place.

四脚朝天

sì jiǎo cháo tiān

Describes falling flat on one's back with all four limbs pointing up at the sky. It can also be used…

肆虐横行

sì nüè héng xíng

To act with wanton cruelty and run rampant, doing evil as one pleases. It describes tyrannical behav…

四平八稳

sì píng bā wěn

Originally describing a well-proportioned, sturdy physique. Now commonly used to describe someone wh…

似水流年

sì shuǐ liú nián

Time passes like flowing water, never to return. It describes the fleeting and irreversible nature o…

似是而非

sì shì ér fēi

This idiom describes something that appears correct or true at first glance but is actually incorrec…

四时八节

sì shí bā jié

The four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and the eight key solar terms (start of each seaso…

四山五岳

sì shān wǔ yuè

Refers to various regions and places in all directions across the land. It is used to describe peopl…

四亭八当

sì tíng bā dàng

This idiom means that everything is arranged in a thoroughly proper and satisfactory manner. The pat…

四停八当

sì tíng bā dāng

Describes a situation where every matter is arranged with complete thoroughness and propriety, leavi…

四通八达

sì tōng bā dá

Roads lead in all directions, describing extremely convenient transportation. It can also describe s…

伺瑕抵隙

sì xiá dǐ xì

This idiom describes the act of deliberately looking for weaknesses or faults in others in order to …

四姻九戚

sì yīn jiǔ qī

A vivid expression describing someone with an extremely large and far-reaching network of relatives …

送故迎新

sòng gù yíng xīn

Originally referred to the ceremonial practice of bidding farewell to departing officials and welcom…

颂古非今

sòng gǔ fēi jīn

To uncritically extol the past while disparaging the present. It describes a reactionary attitude th…

颂声载道

sòng shēng zǎi dào

Voices of praise fill the roads. It describes a situation where commendation is so widespread that i…

送往视居

sòng wǎng shì jū

To bury the dead with proper funeral rites and to care for and support the living survivors. It embo…

宋玉东墙

sòng yù dōng qiáng

This idiom refers to a beautiful and affectionate woman. It alludes to a legendary woman who, captiv…

素口骂人

sù kǒu mà rén

To curse others with a vegetarian mouth. It is a metaphor for hypocrisy—outwardly appearing pious or…

溯流求源

sù liú qiú yuán

To trace something back along its course of development in order to find its root cause or origin. I…

夙世冤业

sù shì yuān yè

This idiom refers to a nemesis from a past life, describing a relationship marked by extraordinarily…

素丝羔羊

sù sī gāo yáng

Refers to an upright, honest, and incorruptible official. The imagery of white silk and a lamb symbo…

素未谋面

sù wèi móu miàn

It means two people have never met each other in person before. The phrase is commonly used to descr…

夙夜匪解

sù yè fěi jiě

This idiom describes working diligently day and night without slackening. It conveys unwavering dedi…

俗不可医

sú bù kě yī

Describes someone whose vulgarity and lack of refinement are so deep-rooted that they cannot be reme…

撒诈捣虚

sā zhà dǎo xū

Refers to lying and deceiving people. It describes someone who is habitually dishonest and uses fals…

塞井焚舍

sāi jǐng fén shě

To fill up the wells and burn down the houses, cutting off all means of retreat. This idiom expresse…

三不拗六

sān bù niù liù

This idiom means that the minority cannot overcome the majority. It describes a situation where a sm…

三茶六礼

sān chá liù lǐ

A formal, properly arranged marriage conducted through all the traditional rituals. It emphasizes th…

三长四短

sān cháng sì duǎn

A euphemism for an unexpected death, disaster, or fatal accident, essentially a variant of the more …

三朝元老

sān cháo yuán lǎo

An elder statesman who has served under three successive reigns or administrations. In modern usage,…

三叠阳关

sān dié yáng guān

Refers to 'Yangguan Three Folds,' a famous guqin (zither) melody composed from Tang poet Wang Wei's …

三迭阳关

sān dié yáng guān

Originally refers to the farewell melody composed from Wang Wei's Tang-dynasty poem, in which the cl…

三冬二夏

sān dōng èr xià

Literally "three winters and two summers," this idiom denotes a span of about two to three years. It…

三复斯言

sān fù sī yán

To repeatedly read and reflect upon a statement. It describes attaching great importance to a partic…

三顾茅庐

sān gù máo lú

Describes earnestly and repeatedly seeking out talent or a wise person with great sincerity and humi…

三姑六婆

sān gū liù pó

三姑六婆 originally referred to nine categories of women with disreputable professions in ancient China.…

三好两歉

sān hǎo liǎng qiàn

Refers to being intermittently well and ill. It describes someone with a weak constitution or frail …

三缄其口

sān jiān qí kǒu

To keep one's mouth firmly shut, as if sealed with three strips. It describes someone who speaks wit…

三脚两步

sān jiǎo liǎng bù

Describes walking very quickly with light, rapid steps. It can also refer to a short distance that c…

三沐三薰

sān mù sān xūn

To bathe and perfume oneself repeatedly as an act of utmost reverence and sincerity. It describes th…

三朋四友

sān péng sì yǒu

A phrase referring to a large group of friends or companions of various kinds. It often carries a sl…

三迁之教

sān qiān zhī jiào

This idiom describes the act of relocating multiple times to find a suitable living environment favo…

三窝两块

sān wō liǎng kuài

This idiom refers to a man who has wives or concubines settled in more than one household, so that h…

三瓦两巷

sān wǎ liǎng xiàng

Refers to entertainment districts and pleasure quarters where wealthy young men sought amusement and…

三心二意

sān xīn èr yì

To be half-hearted, indecisive, or easily distracted. It describes someone who lacks focus and keeps…

三星在户

sān xīng zài hù

This idiom symbolizes newlywed joy and marital celebration. It originates from an ancient poem where…

三灾八难

sān zāi bā nàn

This idiom originally describes a child who is born sickly and prone to frequent illnesses. It is al…

桑户桊枢

sāng hù juàn shū

A door made of mulberry branches and a door pivot carved from a plain wooden bar. The idiom depicts …

桑弧蓬矢

sāng hú péng shǐ

In ancient China, when a boy was born, an archer would shoot arrows made from a mulberry-wood bow an…

桑枢韦带

sāng shū wéi dài

桑枢 refers to a door pivot made of mulberry wood, and 韦带 refers to a plain, undecorated leather belt.…

桑田碧海

sāng tián bì hǎi

The sea turns into mulberry fields, and mulberry fields turn into the sea. It is a metaphor for the …

桑土绸缪

sāng tǔ chóu miù

A metaphor for being diligent in one's affairs and taking precautions before disaster strikes. It de…

骚人墨士

sāo rén mò shì

Refers to poets, writers, and other refined literary men. It is a variant of the more common idiom "…

思深忧远

sī shēn yōu yuǎn

This idiom describes someone who thinks deeply and worries about matters that lie far in the future,…

松柏后凋

sōng bǎi hòu diāo

The pine and cypress are the last trees to wither in the bitter cold of winter. Figuratively, it des…

松柏之茂

sōng bǎi zhī mào

A metaphor for enduring vitality and prosperity that never fades. It describes something—often a per…

松柏之寿

sōng bǎi zhī shòu

松柏之寿 (sōng bǎi zhī shòu) is a Chinese idiom that literally means 'the longevity of pine and cypress …

松柏之志

sōng bǎi zhī zhì

The will of pine and cypress. A metaphor for unwavering moral integrity and steadfast resolve that e…

松萝共倚

sōng luó gòng yǐ

The idiom draws on the image of dodder vines (松萝) that cling to and lean upon pine trees. It serves …

松乔之寿

sōng qiáo zhī shòu

This idiom refers to the longevity of the legendary immortals Chi Songzi (赤松子) and Wang Ziqiao (王子乔)…

扫除天下

sǎo chú tiān xià

To purge the world of evil and bring about social order. It describes someone with lofty ambition to…

扫地俱尽

sǎo dì jù jìn

To sweep completely clean, leaving nothing behind. It describes total destruction or elimination of …

扫穴犁庭

sǎo xué lí tíng

To sweep out the enemy's den and plow over their courtyard. It is a metaphor for thoroughly destroyi…

死败涂地

sǐ bài tú dì

Describes a scene of catastrophic defeat with heavy casualties and bodies strewn across the ground. …

死且不朽

sǐ qiě bù xiǔ

This idiom conveys the idea that one's loyalty, memory, or devotion endures even beyond death, never…

死乞百赖

sǐ qǐ bǎi lài

This idiom describes pestering someone relentlessly and refusing to take no for an answer. It convey…

死声活气

sǐ shēng huó qì

Describes a voice that sounds gloomy, unnatural, and sarcastic at the same time. The tone is half-li…

死生荣辱

sǐ shēng róng rǔ

This idiom refers to the four fundamental states of human existence: death, survival, honor, and hum…

死心搭地

sǐ xīn dā dì

To be utterly resolved and unwavering in one's decision, with no intention of ever changing course. …

死心塌地

sǐ xīn tā dì

Originally meant to give up all other intentions and make no further plans. Now commonly describes s…

死样活气

sǐ yàng huó qì

Describes a complete lack of vitality or spirit, appearing listless and lifeless. The phrase uses th…

死而复生

sǐ ér fù shēng

Literally 'to die and come back to life.' It describes someone or something reviving after apparent …

死而无怨

sǐ ér wú yuàn

To die without any complaint or regret. It describes a state of being completely willing and content…

耸肩曲背

sǒng jiān qū bèi

To shrug both shoulders and hunch one's back, describing an aged, feeble, or shabby and dejected app…

耸入云霄

sǒng rù yún xiāo

Describes mountains or buildings so tall they seem to pierce into the clouds and sky. It conveys ext…

损公肥私

sǔn gōng féi sī

To harm public interests for personal gain. It describes corrupt behavior where someone exploits the…

天宝当年

tian bao dang nian

A metaphor for fondly recalling the grand occasions of the past. Tianbao was the reign title of Empe…

跳丸日月

tiào wán rì yuè

Bouncing balls, sun, and moon. A metaphor for time passing extremely swiftly, as rapidly as a bounci…

恬不为怪

tián bù wéi guài

To remain unperturbed and see nothing wrong with something unreasonable or abnormal. It describes so…

恬不知愧

tián bù zhī kuì

To remain completely unashamed and at ease despite having done something disgraceful. It describes a…

田夫野老

tián fū yě lǎo

Farmers in the fields and elders of the countryside. It broadly refers to ordinary common folk livin…

甜酸苦辣

tián suān kǔ là

Refers to the four basic tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. It is commonly used metaphorically t…

甜言蜜语

tián yán mì yǔ

Refers to excessively flattering, coaxing, or honeyed words meant to deceive or please someone. It c…

甜言软语

tián yán ruǎn yǔ

Sweet and gentle words. Used to describe flattering or affectionate language meant to please or pers…

调唇弄舌

tiáo chún nòng shé

To talk glibly or chatter endlessly, often to show off one's eloquence. It can also mean to spread g…

调三惑四

tiáo sān huò sì

This idiom refers to sowing discord and spreading rumors to create trouble between people. It descri…

调三窝四

tiáo sān wō sì

To sow discord and stir up trouble between people. The idiom describes someone who deliberately spre…

天崩地解

tiān bēng dì jiě

A metaphor for a cataclysmic event or earth-shattering upheaval that overturns the established order…

天夺之魄

tiān duó zhī pò

Heaven has taken away his soul. This idiom is a metaphor indicating that a person is near death and …

天地经纬

tiān dì jīng wěi

Refers to the fundamental and indisputable principles governing heaven and earth. Extended metaphori…

天方夜谭

tiān fāng yè tán

A metaphor for absurd, far-fetched, or fantastic claims that seem like fiction rather than reality. …

天假其年

tiān jiǎ qí nián

If heaven grants one their full allotted years. It means being allowed to live out one's natural lif…

天机云锦

tiān jī yún jǐn

This idiom likens exquisite writing to silk brocade woven on a heavenly loom, glowing with the beaut…

天经地义

tiān jīng dì yì

The eternal and unchanging principles between heaven and earth. It refers to something that is absol…

天罗地网

tiān luó dì wǎng

An inescapable trap or dragnet that leaves no way out. It describes a situation where someone is com…

天理昭昭

tiān lǐ zhāo zhāo

Heaven's justice is clear and manifest. The idiom expresses the traditional Chinese belief that Heav…

天年不齐

tiān nián bù qí

This idiom refers to a situation where one's fate and the passing years fail to align, resulting in …

天人之际

tiān rén zhī jì

The relationship between heaven (natural law) and human affairs. It refers to the interplay between …

天壤之别

tiān rǎng zhī bié

A difference as vast as that between heaven and earth. Used to describe an enormous gap or extreme c…

天生地设

tiān shēng dì shè

A match so perfect it seems created by heaven and earth; naturally and ideally suited. Most often us…

天台路迷

tiān tái lù mí

Originally referring to wandering lost into the immortal realm of Mount Tiantai. It is now used meta…

天下大乱

tiān xià dà luàn

The world (or the entire country) is in great turmoil and chaos. It describes a situation where soci…

天缘凑合

tiān yuán còu hé

A match or coincidence brought about by heavenly fate. Traditionally used to describe a marriage tha…

天涯海角

tiān yá hǎi jiǎo

This idiom describes a place at the far ends of the earth, or an extremely remote and distant locati…

天衣无缝

tiān yī wú fèng

Perfectly done, with no flaws or gaps. Flawless execution or design.

天真烂熳

tiān zhēn làn màn

Describes children as innocent, lively, and adorable, free from pretense or hypocrisy. It conveys a …

添枝接叶

tiān zhī jiē yè

A metaphor for continually adding on or appending extra details without end. It describes how people…

添枝增叶

tiān zhī zēng yè

Literally meaning 'to add branches and leaves,' this idiom describes the act of adding supplementary…

铁窗风味

tiě chuāng fēng wèi

Refers to the life and experience of a prisoner behind bars. The phrase evokes the grim reality of i…

铁杵成针

tiě chǔ chéng zhēn

This idiom means that with perseverance and hard work, even the most difficult task can be accomplis…

铁打心肠

tiě dǎ xīn cháng

Describes a person with an unyielding, iron-willed disposition. The idiom likens one's heart and gut…

铁面无私

tiě miàn wú sī

Describes a person who is strictly impartial, fair, and incorruptible, unswayed by personal relation…

铁中铮铮

tiě zhōng zhēng zhēng

Literally 'the clanging one among iron,' referring to the sound of metal vessels striking each other…

挑拨离间

tiǎo bō lí jiàn

To deliberately sow discord and create conflict between people who would otherwise be united. It des…

退步抽身

tui bu chou sheng

To resign from an official position and withdraw from public life to return home. It conveys the ide…

团花簇锦

tuán huā cù jǐn

This idiom describes a scene that is colorful, splendid, and gorgeously adorned, as if flowers were …

抟沙嚼蜡

tuán shā jiáo là

A metaphor for something empty and utterly tasteless. It combines two vivid images—trying to shape l…

退避三舍

tuì bì sān shè

To voluntarily retreat ninety li (three shè) to avoid confrontation. It metaphorically means to yiel…

蜕化变质

tuì huà biàn zhì

Originally referring to insects shedding their skin and transforming, this idiom metaphorically desc…

退旅进旅

tuì lǚ jìn lǚ

This idiom means to advance and retreat together in complete unison. It describes a group acting in …

退思补过

tuì sī bǔ guò

To step back and reflect on one's words and deeds, then correct any faults found. It describes the p…

唾壶敲缺

tuò hú qiāo quē

Describes a state of deep indignation or intense emotional agitation. It originates from the story o…

唾面自干

tuò miàn zì gān

When someone spits on your face, you do not wipe it off but let it dry on its own. It describes the …

推波助澜

tuī bō zhù lán

A metaphor for encouraging and amplifying the momentum of something, usually negative, from the side…

推聋妆哑

tuī lóng zhuāng yǎ

To pretend to be deaf and mute, feigning ignorance of something one actually knows. It describes som…

推涛作浪

tuī tāo zuò làng

Literally means to push the waves and stir up billows. It is used metaphorically to describe abettin…

推心置腹

tuī xīn zhì fù

To treat others with complete sincerity and trust, holding nothing back. It describes opening one's …

拖麻拽布

tuō má zhuài bù

This idiom describes wearing mourning attire in traditional Chinese funeral customs. When an elder p…

脱天漏网

tuō tiān lòu wǎng

This idiom describes someone who acts recklessly and without any restraint, as though they have esca…

脱颖囊锥

tuō yǐng náng zhuī

A metaphor for a person of outstanding talent whose abilities inevitably reveal themselves. The imag…

踏故习常

tà gù xí cháng

Following old routines and being content with the way things are. It describes someone who clings to…

太仓一粟

tài cāng yī sù

A single grain of millet in a vast state granary. It metaphorically represents an extremely small qu…

太上忘情

tài shàng wàng qíng

The highest sages are beyond the sway of emotion. It describes someone who has transcended worldly p…

探囊胠箧

tàn náng wú qiè

Literally meaning to reach one's hand into a bag and pry open a small chest, this idiom refers to th…

谈过其实

tán guò qí shí

It means to speak in a way that exceeds the actual facts, essentially equivalent to 言过其实. Originally…

谈空说有

tán kōng shuō yǒu

Refers to idle talk or empty chatter without substance. Originally denoting Buddhist philosophical d…

谈情说爱

tán qíng shuō ài

To talk about feelings and express love; to court or date romantically. It refers to the act of roma…

谈若悬河

tán ruò xuán hé

Speaks as fluently and unstoppably as a river in full flood; describes someone who is eloquent and g…

谈笑风生

tán xiào fēng shēng

To talk and laugh cheerfully and animatedly, with an engaging and lively manner. It describes someon…

堂皇正大

táng huáng zhèng dà

Describes speech or conduct that is open, fair, and impartial. It conveys a sense of righteousness a…

桃弧棘矢

táo hú jí shǐ

A bow made of peach wood and arrows made of thorn branches, which the ancients believed could ward o…

桃僵李代

táo jiāng lǐ dài

Originally a metaphor for brotherly love and mutual support, this idiom later came to mean substitut…

桃来李答

táo lái lǐ dá

This idiom describes the act of mutual giving and receiving, where one person's kindness or gift is …

桃李春风

táo lǐ chūn fēng

A metaphor for students receiving earnest guidance and instruction from a good teacher. It compares …

桃李之馈

táo lǐ zhī kuì

Originally referring to the mutual exchange of gifts, this idiom derives from the ancient practice o…

桃夭柳媚

táo yāo liǔ mèi

Describes a young woman of outstanding beauty and charm. The imagery evokes the delicate blossoming …

腾空而起

téng kōng ér qǐ

To rise or soar suddenly into the sky or high air. It describes something ascending rapidly upward f…

涕泪交零

tì lèi jiāo líng

Both nasal mucus and tears flow down at the same time, describing overwhelming, uncontrollable grief…

涕泪交下

tì lèi jiāo xià

Snot and tears flow down simultaneously, describing a state of extreme grief and sorrow. It depicts …

涕泗横流

tì sì héng liú

Tears and mucus flow freely across one's face. It describes someone weeping profusely in a state of …

逖听远闻

tì tīng yuǎn wén

This idiom describes a broad and far-reaching scope of hearing and perception. It means being able t…

倜傥不羁

tì tǎng bù jī

Describes someone who is dashing, unrestrained, and free from convention, carrying themselves with e…

摘瑕指瑜

tì xiá zhǐ yú

To point out both the flaws and the merits of a person or work, evaluating them with discerning fair…

停辛贮苦

tíng xīn zhù kǔ

To accumulate and endure bitterness and hardship over a long period. It describes someone who has ex…

痛心切骨

tòng xīn qiè gǔ

Heartache that cuts to the bone. It describes an extreme degree of grief, anguish, or bitter indigna…

痛心入骨

tòng xīn rù gǔ

This idiom describes being grieved or heartbroken to the extreme. It conveys a sorrow so profound th…

同敝相济

tóng bì xiāng jì

Describes evil people joining forces and aiding one another in wrongdoing. It is a written variant o…

同归殊途

tóng guī shū tú

Through different paths, one arrives at the same destination. It is a metaphor for taking different …

同归于尽

tóng guī yú jìn

To perish together or end in mutual destruction. It describes a situation where two or more parties …

同甘共苦

tóng gān gòng kǔ

To share both joys and hardships together. It describes a deep bond between people—such as comrades,…

同工异曲

tóng gōng yì qǔ

Different tunes played with equal skill. A metaphor for different approaches or expressions that ach…

同功一体

tóng gōng yī tǐ

Describes people who share equal achievements, contributions, and social standing. It emphasizes tha…

同力协契

tóng lì xié qì

A classical expression meaning to unite one's strength and act in concerted agreement. It describes …

同利相死

tóng lì xiāng sǐ

Those who share common interests will risk their lives to help one another. It describes how shared …

童牛角马

tóng niú jiǎo mǎ

A calf born without horns and a horse that grows horns — both are creatures that violate natural ord…

铜盘重肉

tóng pán zhòng ròu

Precious tableware and lavish meals. By extension, it refers to special favor or privileged treatmen…

同袍同泽

tóng páo tóng zé

Originally describing soldiers who shared their clothing and fought together against a common enemy.…

同日而言

tóng rì ér yán

To put different people or things together and discuss or treat them as equals. It implies the subje…

同室操戈

tóng shì sāo gē

To take up weapons against members of one's own household. It refers to internal strife, especially …

同声相求

tóng shēng xiāng qiú

People with similar interests, values, or views naturally gravitate toward and attract one another. …

童叟无欺

tóng sǒu wú qī

Neither deceiving children nor cheating the elderly. It describes honest and fair business practices…

铜驼草莽

tóng tuó cǎo mǎng

This idiom describes the desolate and ruined state of a nation's territory after it has fallen to in…

同堂兄弟

tóng táng xiōng dì

Cousins who share a grandfather but not a father; paternal first cousins. The term literally means '…

同恶相恤

tóng wù xiāng xù

This idiom describes people who share a common hatred or abhorrence mutually aiding each other to co…

同心毕力

tóng xīn bì lì

This idiom means to work together with a united heart and utmost effort. It describes a group of peo…

同心断金

tóng xīn duàn jīn

When two people share the same heart and purpose, their combined strength can cut through even the h…

同心合胆

tóng xīn hé dǎn

To share the same heart and courage; to be of one mind and one resolve. It describes people who are …

同心僯力

tóng xīn jié lì

This idiom means to work together with one heart and united effort toward a common goal. It is a var…

同心一力

tóng xīn yī lì

This idiom means to unite as one and make a joint effort. It describes people working together with …

同源异流

tóng yuán yì liú

This idiom describes things that share the same origin but diverge in their development or outcome. …

彤云密布

tóng yún mì bù

Dark, heavy clouds fill the sky, often reddish in color, signaling that heavy snow is imminent. The …

同恶相求

tóng è xiāng qiú

This idiom refers to bad people seeking out and colluding with each other. It describes how wrongdoe…

投壶电笑

tóu hú diàn xiào

An allusion to lightning that flashes without bringing rain. It originates from a myth in which the …

头昏脑闷

tóu hūn nǎo mèn

Means feeling dizzy and muddled, with a heavy and foggy head. It is equivalent to the idiom 头昏脑胀. It…

头焦额烂

tóu jiāo é làn

This idiom describes someone in an extremely disheveled, wretched, and distressed condition. The ima…

投机取巧

tóu jī qǔ qiǎo

To use improper or unscrupulous means to gain personal advantage. It also refers to relying on petty…

头会箕敛

tóu kuàn jī liǎn

This idiom describes a system of heavy and oppressive taxation. '头会' refers to levying taxes per hea…

投袂而起

tóu mèi ér qǐ

To fling one's sleeves and rise to one's feet, describing a sudden surge of spirit and immediate dec…

投刃皆虚

tóu rèn jiē xū

A metaphor for handling affairs with consummate skill and ease. It derives from the Daoist parable o…

头上安头

tóu shàng ān tóu

Literally 'placing a head on top of a head.' It is a metaphor for doing something wholly redundant o…

投石问路

tóu shí wèn lù

Originally referred to throwing a stone before sneaking into a place at night to check whether anyon…

投石下井

tóu shí xià jǐng

A metaphor for taking advantage of someone's misfortune to harm them further. It describes the act o…

投桃之报

tóu táo zhī bào

A metaphor for the act of repaying someone's kindness or favor. It conveys the idea that when one re…

头疼脑热

tóu téng nǎo rè

A colloquial expression referring to minor ailments, everyday aches and pains, or trivial misfortune…

头痛脑热

tóu tòng nǎo rè

Refers to minor ailments or illnesses such as headaches and fevers. Used broadly to describe everyda…

头痛额热

tóu tòng é rè

This idiom refers to minor illnesses or small ailments, such as a slight headache or low fever. It i…

头晕目眩

tóu yūn mù xuàn

A sensation of dizziness and blurred vision, as if everything around you is spinning. It describes a…

头晕眼花

tóu yūn yǎn huā

Describes a state of dizziness accompanied by blurred or dimmed vision. It often results from physic…

头足异处

tóu zú yì chǔ

This idiom means to be beheaded or decapitated. It vividly describes the gruesome outcome of executi…

兔死狐悲

tù sǐ hú bēi

To grieve for someone whose fate might become your own. Feeling sorrow for the misfortune of a simil…

兔死犬饥

tù sǐ quǎn jī

This idiom uses the metaphor of hunting dogs that go hungry after the rabbits they chased are elimin…

荼毒生灵

tú dú shēng líng

To cruelly torment and harm the common people. 荼毒 means to poison or inflict suffering, while 生灵 ref…

涂歌里抃

tú gē lǐ biàn

Describes a scene of universal joy and celebration among the common people. Roads and lanes are fill…

涂歌邑诵

tú gē yì sòng

People sing along the roads and chant in the towns—everywhere is filled with joyful voices. This idi…

徒乱人意

tú luàn rén yì

To merely disturb someone's peace of mind without serving any useful purpose. It describes news or i…

徒劳无功

tú láo wú gōng

To put in effort without achieving any result or effect. It describes a situation where hard work is…

徒劳往返

tú láo wǎng fǎn

To make a trip or exert effort that yields nothing, returning empty-handed after wasting one's labor…

屠龙之伎

tú lóng zhī jì

A metaphor for a skill that, despite being highly refined and requiring great effort to master, has …

屠龙之技

tú lóng zhī jì

The skill of slaughtering dragons. It refers to a technique or ability that, while impressive and ha…

涂脂抹粉

tú zhī mǒ fěn

To apply rouge and powder to one's face. It literally refers to a woman putting on makeup, but is co…

屯毛不辨

tún máo bù biàn

A metaphor for being unable to tell apart things that are similar or closely resemble each other. It…

他山攻错

tā shān gōng cuò

A metaphor for using others' strengths to remedy one's own shortcomings, just as stones from another…

贪功起衅

tān gōng qǐ xìn

To recklessly stir up conflict out of greed for personal glory or credit. This idiom describes a per…

贪利忘义

tān lì wàng yì

To be greedy for material gain while abandoning moral principles and righteousness. It describes som…

贪求无已

tān qiú wú yǐ

This idiom describes someone who greedily pursues gain or profit with no sense of satisfaction or st…

贪蛇忘尾

tān shé wàng wěi

A metaphor for seeking immediate gain without considering the consequences. Just as a snake that rus…

贪小失大

tān xiǎo shī dà

This idiom means losing a greater benefit because of coveting a small gain. It serves as a metaphor …

饕风虐雪

tāo fēng nüè xuě

Describes violently raging wind and snow, as if nature were devouring and ravaging everything in its…

韬光灭迹

tāo guāng miè jì

This idiom means to hide one's brilliance and erase all traces of one's movements so that outsiders …

韬光用晦

tāo guāng yòng huì

This idiom means to conceal one's talents and abilities, keeping them from being displayed outwardly…

韬光隐迹

tāo guāng yǐn jì

This idiom means to conceal one's talents and achievements, keeping them hidden from public view. It…

弢迹匿光

tāo jì nì guāng

To hide one's tracks and conceal one's brilliance, keeping oneself from being noticed. It describes …

韬声匿迹

tāo shēng nì jì

To hide one's voice and conceal one's traces, making oneself neither seen nor heard. It describes a …

滔天罪行

tāo tiān zuì xíng

This idiom describes crimes of immense and overwhelming magnitude, likening them to floodwaters that…

滔滔不绝

tāo tāo bù jué

Literally describing water flowing on and on without stopping, this idiom refers to someone talking …

擿伏发隐

tī fú fā yǐn

To expose hidden wrongdoing and uncover concealed evil deeds. The idiom refers to the act of rooting…

擿奸发伏

tī jiān fā fú

To expose hidden wicked people and bring concealed crimes to light. It describes the actions of a ju…

听其自流

tīng qí zì liú

To let something take its own course without interference or guidance. It describes a hands-off atti…

听天由命

tīng tiān yóu mìng

To resign oneself to fate and let things take their natural course without making any proactive effo…

通才练识

tōng cái liàn shí

Describes someone who is broadly learned with versatile abilities and possesses experienced, practic…

通才硕学

tōng cái shuò xué

A person of broad, versatile talent and profound, extensive learning. The phrase describes someone w…

通达谙练

tōng dá ān liàn

Being profoundly clear-minded and thoroughly experienced. Describes someone who deeply understands h…

通风报信

tōng fēng bào xìn

The idiom means secretly passing one party's confidential information to the opposing side. The char…

通共有无

tōng gòng yǒu wú

To share resources and help each other by exchanging what one has for what one lacks. It refers to m…

通古达变

tōng gǔ dá biàn

To be thoroughly versed in classical knowledge and ancient learning, while remaining flexible and ad…

通家之好

tōng jiā zhī hǎo

This idiom describes a deep and long-standing friendship between two families, so intimate that they…

通前至后

tōng qián zhì hòu

From beginning to end; entirely and completely. It conveys thoroughness in covering the full span of…

通书达礼

tōng shū dá lǐ

To be well-versed in classical literature and thoroughly familiar with proper etiquette. It describe…

通宵彻昼

tōng xiāo chè zhòu

This idiom means to work or stay awake continuously through the night and into the day, essentially …

通邑大都

tōng yì dà dōu

This idiom refers to a large, bustling metropolis that is well-connected and accessible from all dir…

通幽洞灵

tōng yōu dòng líng

To understand and perceive deeply hidden and mystical matters. It describes someone with extraordina…

通真达灵

tōng zhēn dá líng

To communicate with immortals and connect with the divine realm. It describes a state of advanced sp…

偷梁换柱

tōu liáng huàn zhù

A metaphor for secretly using tricks to substitute the fake for the real or the inferior for the sup…

偷香窃玉

tōu xiāng qiè yù

Literally 'stealing fragrance and pilfering jade,' this idiom is a metaphor for seducing or enticing…

突如其来

tū rú qí lái

Something happens suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning or preparation. It describes an eve…

吞刀吐火

tūn dāo tǔ huǒ

A classical Chinese idiom referring to an ancient acrobatic performance of sword swallowing and fire…

吞声忍气

tūn shēng rěn qì

To swallow one's voice and endure one's anger — suffering in silence without daring to speak out. It…

坦然自若

tǎn rán zì ruò

To remain calm, composed, and at ease, behaving exactly as one normally would even under pressure or…

忐忑不安

tǎn tè bù ān

Describes a state of restlessness and anxiety, where one's heart pounds nervously and one cannot fee…

袒裼裸裎

tǎn xī luǒ chéng

To take off one's clothes and expose the body, referring to rude, indecent, or shameless behavior. T…

讨恶翦暴

tǎo è jiǎn bào

This idiom refers to the act of mounting punitive expeditions against and eradicating evil, cruel, a…

统筹兼顾

tǒng chóu jiān gù

To make overall plans and take all factors into consideration. It describes a holistic approach wher…

土豪劣绅

tǔ háo liè shēn

Local tyrants and evil gentry — oppressive landlords, rural bullies, and corrupt former officials wh…

土鸡瓦狗

tǔ jī wǎ gǒu

A metaphor for things that possess a name or appearance but lack any real substance or practical uti…

土龙刍狗

tǔ lóng chú gǒu

A dragon made of mud and a dog woven from straw. It describes something that has an impressive name …

兔起凫举

tǔ qǐ fú jǔ

Like a rabbit suddenly darting and a wild duck swiftly flying off. It is a metaphor for acting with …

无寇暴死

wu kou bào shi

To die a sudden, violent, or unnatural death even though there has been no war, rebellion, or any di…

万别千差

wàn bié qiān chā

Describes a great variety of things with significant differences among them. It emphasizes that obje…

万夫不当

wàn fū bù dāng

Describes a warrior of such extraordinary might that even ten thousand men cannot stand against him.…

万古长青

wàn gǔ cháng qīng

Literally 'forever green through the ages.' It compares something to evergreen pines and cypresses t…

万古留芳

wàn gǔ liú fāng

One's good name and reputation are passed down through the ages forever. The 'fragrance' is a metaph…

万壑争流

wàn hè zhēng liú

Describes countless mountain streams rushing and competing with one another, depicting a breathtakin…

万家灯火

wàn jiā dēng huǒ

Literally 'ten thousand households' lanterns and lights.' It refers to the time when evening falls a…

万里长城

wàn lǐ cháng chéng

Refers to the Great Wall of China. Also used metaphorically for a great general or military leader u…

万里鹏翼

wàn lǐ péng yì

Refers to the wings of the mythical Peng bird that can fly ten thousand li. It is a metaphor for vas…

万里迢迢

wàn lǐ tiáo tiáo

Describes an extremely long and arduous journey or a vast distance. The phrase emphasizes the great …

万民涂炭

wàn mín tú tàn

Describes the common people being trapped as if in mire and fire. It depicts a situation where the m…

万全之计

wàn quán zhī jì

A perfectly thorough and foolproof plan or strategy that accounts for every contingency. It is synon…

万人空巷

wàn rén kōng xiàng

The lanes and alleys are emptied of people — not because they are hiding indoors, but because everyo…

万世流芳

wàn shì liú fāng

A good reputation that is passed down through countless generations. The idiom uses the metaphor of …

万象更新

wàn xiàng gēng xīn

Everything in the universe takes on a fresh and new appearance. The idiom describes a scene of compl…

万应灵丹

wàn yìng líng dān

A miraculous pill that cures all kinds of illnesses. Metaphorically, a single remedy or method belie…

万紫千红

wàn zǐ qiān hóng

Describes a rich profusion of colors, especially the vibrant bloom of spring flowers. By extension, …

望表知里

wàng biǎo zhī lǐ

To infer the inner essence or true nature of a thing by examining its outward signs. It describes th…

望尘奔北

wàng chén bēn běi

Describes an army with no will to fight that flees at the mere sight of the enemy's dust cloud. It i…

望尘靡及

wàng chén mí jí

Describes being so far behind that one can only see the dust kicked up by those ahead, with no hope …

忘年之交

wàng nián zhī jiāo

A friendship formed between people of significantly different ages, disregarding the gap in generati…

妄谈祸福

wàng tán huò fú

To speak of good and bad fortune without any basis or evidence. The idiom criticizes people who casu…

妄自尊大

wàng zì zūn dà

To have an exaggeratedly high opinion of oneself. It describes someone who is arrogantly conceited a…

望而生畏

wàng ér shēng wèi

To feel fear or awe upon seeing something. It describes a person or thing that appears intimidating …

完璧归赵

wán bì guī zhào

To return something to its rightful owner in perfect condition. It describes restoring an item witho…

顽梗不化

wán gěng bù huà

Describes someone who is extremely stubborn and inflexible, refusing to adapt or change their ways e…

顽廉懦立

wán lián nuò lì

To make the greedy become honest and the cowardly find resolve. It describes the transformative powe…

玩物丧志

wán wù sàng zhì

To become so absorbed in trivial pursuits or hobbies that one loses ambition and drive. It warns tha…

亡国之音

wáng guó zhī yīn

Originally referred to the sorrowful, yearning music of a state on the verge of collapse, reflecting…

王后卢前

wáng hòu lú qián

Refers to two people being equally famous for their literary works, with talent and reputation so cl…

亡羊补牢

wáng yáng bǔ láo

It's never too late to fix a problem. Taking corrective action after damage has occurred is still wo…

未卜先知

wèi bǔ xiān zhī

To know something before it happens without needing to consult divination. It describes someone with…

为丛驱雀

wèi cóng qū què

To drive sparrows into the thicket. It is a metaphor for failing to unite people and instead driving…

未达一间

wèi dá yī jiān

Describes a situation where one falls just short of attaining something, missing the mark by the nar…

慰情胜无

wèi qíng shèng wú

To console oneself with the thought that having something is better than having nothing at all. It s…

未形之患

wèi xíng zhī huàn

Refers to a hidden danger or calamity that has not yet taken visible form. It warns against complace…

问心无愧

wèn xīn wú kuì

To examine one's own conscience and find no guilt. It describes a state of having acted honorably an…

问安视膳

wèn ān shì shàn

Daily inquiry about parents' well-being and attending to their meals, describing an ancient ritual o…

瓮牖桑枢

wèng yǒu sāng shū

Using a broken earthenware jar as a window and a mulberry branch as a door pivot. It is a metaphor f…

瓮中之鳖

wèng zhōng zhī biē

A soft-shelled turtle trapped in an urn. It is a metaphor for someone or something already within on…

帏薄不修

wéi báo bù xiū

A euphemism for sexual impropriety or scandal within a household. '帏薄' refers to the curtains and ba…

帷灯匣剑

wéi dēng xiá jiàn

A lamp shrouded by a curtain and a sword concealed in a case — the truth is buried under layers of o…

为非作恶

wéi fēi zuò è

To commit all kinds of wrongdoing and evil deeds. It describes someone who habitually engages in bad…

违法乱纪

wéi fǎ luàn jì

To violate the law and break the established rules and discipline. It describes behavior that defies…

为国为民

wéi guó wéi mín

This idiom describes acting selflessly in service of the nation and its people, without seeking pers…

违害就利

wéi hài jiù lì

To shun harm and pursue advantage. It describes the pragmatic human tendency to steer away from dang…

为好成歉

wéi hǎo chéng qiàn

This idiom describes a situation where good intentions are met with blame or resentment instead of g…

惟利是命

wéi lì shì mìng

To live solely for profit, treating the pursuit of gain as one's life's purpose. It describes someon…

惟利是求

wéi lì shì qiú

To pursue nothing but profit, with complete disregard for everything else. It describes a single-min…

惟利是视

wéi lì shì shì

To care only about profit and nothing else. It describes someone who is driven solely by self-intere…

唯力是视

wéi lì shì shì

Success depends solely on one's own strength and effort. Used when facing heavy tasks and many diffi…

唯妙唯肖

wéi miào wéi xiāo

Used to describe writing, portrayal, or imitation that is extremely skillful and strikingly lifelike…

为裘为箕

wéi qiú wéi jī

This idiom metaphorically describes the ability of a son or younger brother to inherit and carry on …

为期不远

wéi qī bù yuǎn

The set date or deadline is not far away. It indicates that a planned or expected event will occur s…

为蛇画足

wéi shé huà zú

This idiom literally means drawing feet on a snake. It metaphorically describes doing superfluous wo…

惟所欲为

wéi suǒ yù wéi

To do whatever one pleases without any restraint or consideration for rules or others. It describes …

违条舞法

wéi tiáo wǔ fǎ

To break legal statutes and trifle with the law; to flagrantly violate established laws and regulati…

违天逆理

wéi tiān nì lǐ

To act with extreme cruelty, committing deeds that defy heaven and violate the natural order of mora…

唯我独尊

wéi wǒ dú zūn

Describes someone who is supremely arrogant and considers no one else as important as themselves. It…

违乡负俗

wéi xiāng fù sú

This idiom describes leaving one's hometown and going against the conventions of society. It portray…

为恶不悛

wéi è bù quān

To persist in committing evil and refuse to repent or mend one's ways. It describes someone who cont…

闻宠若惊

wén chǒng ruò jīng

To be both delighted and uneasy upon receiving favor, appreciation, or praise from someone of higher…

稳操左券

wén cāo zuǒ quàn

This idiom means to have full confidence and absolute certainty of success. It derives from the anci…

文房四物

wén fáng sì wù

A common term for the four essential tools of a traditional Chinese scholar's study: the brush, ink,…

闻风而至

wén fēng ér zhì

To arrive immediately upon hearing news of something. It describes someone who rushes to a place the…

闻鸡起舞

wén jī qǐ wǔ

To rise early and work diligently. Seizing the morning to practice and improve oneself.

文人墨客

wén rén mò kè

A general term for men of letters, scholars, and literary figures. It refers to educated people who …

文山会海

wén shān huì hǎi

Describes a situation where official documents and meetings proliferate to disastrous excess, like m…

闻声相思

wén shēng xiāng sī

To hear of someone's reputation and yearn to meet them. It describes admiring and longing for a pers…

文搜丁甲

wén sōu dīng jiǎ

Describes literary writing so exquisite and brilliant that it reaches and moves the divine spirits. …

文无加点

wén wú jiā diǎn

Describes someone whose literary thought is agile and writing skill is practiced and mature, so that…

文献之家

wén xiàn zhī jiā

A person who is widely read and deeply familiar with historical records, classical texts, and instit…

文修武偃

wén xiū wǔ yǎn

This idiom describes a state where virtuous cultural refinement flourishes while warfare and militar…

文行出处

wén xíng chū chǔ

Refers to a scholar's learning, moral conduct, and attitude toward serving in government versus livi…

文星高照

wén xīng gāo zhào

A metaphor for having excellent fortune in literary pursuits and scholarly examinations. It suggests…

文以载道

wén yǐ zài dào

Literally meaning 'writing is to convey the Way.' It expresses the classical view that literature an…

文质斌斌

wén zhì bīn bīn

Originally used to describe someone who is both cultured and genuinely unpretentious; later it came …

文子文孙

wén zǐ wén sūn

Originally referring to the descendants of King Wen of Zhou, celebrated for his virtue and civil gov…

握发吐哺

wò fā tǔ bǔ

This idiom describes a ruler or leader who eagerly seeks talented people, willing to interrupt even …

握铅抱椠

wò qiān bào qiàn

铅 refers to lead powder and 椠 refers to wooden tablets, both ancient writing implements. The idiom d…

握粟出卜

wò sù chū bo

Literally holding millet in hand to go out and perform divination. It later came to mean praying to …

握雾拏云

wò wù ná yún

To command and drive clouds and mist. Metaphorically, it means being adept at grasping military oppo…

握云拿雾

wò yún ná wù

To harness and command the clouds and mist. Metaphorically, it means to masterly grasp military stra…

雾鬓云鬟

wù bìn yún huán

Describes a woman's beautiful hair that resembles floating clouds and drifting mist. It is used to d…

雾阁云窗

wù gé yún chuāng

Pavilions and windows enshrouded in mist and clouds. It refers to tall, lofty buildings or towers th…

物极则反

wù jí zé fǎn

When things develop to their extreme, they turn in the opposite direction. It describes the natural …

雾起云涌

wù qǐ yún yǒng

This idiom metaphorically describes a situation where many things or events emerge rapidly and abund…

雾锁烟迷

wù suǒ yān mí

Describes a scene where the landscape is shrouded and hidden by cloud and mist, so that it cannot be…

物以群分

wù yǐ qún fēn

Things of the same kind naturally gather together. It refers to people of similar character or inter…

无补于事

wú bǔ yú shì

Of no help or benefit to a situation; actions or efforts that fail to improve matters. It is used to…

无肠可断

wú cháng kě duàn

A metaphor for grief so extreme that it cannot be expressed or endured. It suggests being so utterly…

无大不大

wú dà bù dà

An emphatic expression meaning "as large as can be" or "incredibly vast." The double negative constr…

无待蓍龟

wú dài shī guī

This idiom means that the outcome of a situation is so obvious that there is no need to consult yarr…

无的放矢

wú dì fàng shǐ

Literally meaning to shoot an arrow without having a target. It is a metaphor for speaking or acting…

无缝天衣

wú féng tiān yī

A celestial garment worn by immortal maidens that requires no needle or thread and has no seams. It …

无风扬波

wú fēng yáng bō

Literally 'stirring up waves without wind.' It is a variant of the more common idiom 无风起浪, meaning t…

无风作浪

wú fēng zuò làng

To stir up trouble where there is none, fabricating incidents without cause. It carries the sense of…

无挂无碍

wú guà wú ài

Free from all worries, attachments, and burdens. It describes a state of mind where one is unencumbe…

无价之宝

wú jià zhī bǎo

A priceless treasure; something so precious that no amount of money can measure its worth. It is use…

无间是非

wú jiàn shì fēi

To not distinguish between right and wrong, or to refuse to differentiate truth from falsehood. It d…

无家可归

wú jiā kě guī

Having no home to return to. It describes being displaced, homeless, and wandering without a place t…

无坚不陷

wú jiān bù xiàn

Describes an overwhelmingly powerful force that can destroy anything, no matter how solid or indestr…

无间冬夏

wú jiān dōng xià

Regardless of winter or summer; throughout all four seasons without interruption. It describes conti…

无疆之休

wú jiāng zhī xiū

This classical idiom describes infinite happiness or boundless good fortune. It conveys a state of e…

无计所奈

wú jì suǒ nài

A state of having no plan or method available to cope with a situation, equivalent to 无计奈何. It descr…

无济于事

wú jì yú shì

Describes an action or effort that does nothing to resolve a problem or improve a situation. It emph…

无尽无穷

wú jìn wú qióng

Describes something that has no end, no boundary, and no limit whatsoever. It emphasizes the absolut…

无胫而来

wú jìng ér lái

Literally 'to arrive without legs.' It metaphorically describes how talented and worthy people natur…

无机可乘

wú jī kě chéng

This idiom means there is no loophole or opportunity to exploit. It describes a situation where no w…

无精打采

wú jīng dǎ cǎi

To be listless, lethargic, and lacking in energy or enthusiasm. It describes a state where someone f…

无可厚非

wú kě hòu fēi

An idiom meaning that someone's actions or opinions, though perhaps not ideal, are understandable an…

无孔不钻

wú kǒng bù zuān

Literally meaning 'no hole is left un-drilled,' this idiom describes someone who is adept at seeking…

无了根蒂

wú le gēn dì

This idiom describes a situation where something has no foundation or source to rely on. It metaphor…

无名之璞

wú míng zhī pú

It refers to an uncarved jade that has not yet gained a name or reputation. Metaphorically, it descr…

无偏无倚

wú piān wú yǐ

This idiom describes something that is perfectly straight and upright, without any deviation or lean…

无平不颇

wú píng bù pō

There is no level ground without some unevenness. It metaphorically means that nothing in life is al…

无拳无勇

wú quán wú yǒng

Describes a person who lacks both physical strength and moral courage. It conveys a state of utter p…

吾谁与归

wú shuí yǔ guī

Literally meaning 'with whom would I return,' this idiom expresses a yearning for a kindred spirit o…

无伤大雅

wú shāng dà yǎ

This idiom means that a minor flaw or imperfection does not detract from the overall quality or main…

无声无臭

wú shēng wú xiù

Literally having neither sound nor smell. It is used metaphorically to describe someone or something…

无师自通

wú shī zì tōng

To master or comprehend something without a teacher's instruction. It describes a person with such n…

无所不晓

wú suǒ bù xiǎo

To know everything; there is nothing one does not understand or is unacquainted with. It describes s…

无所不知

wú suǒ bù zhī

This idiom describes someone who knows everything and has no area of ignorance. It praises a person'…

无所顾惮

wú suǒ gù dàn

To have no scruples, hesitation, or fear about one's words or actions. It describes someone who acts…

无所重轻

wú suǒ zhòng qīng

It means that nothing is of great importance; something carries no significant weight or consequence…

无丝有线

wú sī yǒu xiàn

A metaphor for being unable to escape suspicion even when there is no actual wrongdoing. The idiom p…

梧桐断角

wú tóng duàn jiǎo

Though the paulownia tree is a soft wood, it can snap a hard animal horn. The idiom metaphorically e…

无妄之福

wú wàng zhī fú

An unexpected blessing or fortune that arrives without being sought or anticipated. It describes goo…

无为之治

wú wéi zhī zhì

Governance through non-action, a core Daoist political philosophy advocating that rulers manage by a…

无相无作

wú xiāng wú zuò

A Buddhist term referring to the abandonment of all worldly appearances and the cessation of artific…

无形之罪

wú xíng zhī zuì

A fabricated crime; a charge without substance or evidence. Similar to '莫须有之罪', it refers to accusat…

无颜落色

wú yán luò sè

This idiom describes a person whose face loses all color, becoming pale and ashen. It conveys a stat…

无与比伦

wú yǔ bǐ lún

This idiom describes something so perfect or outstanding that nothing can compare with it. It is syn…

无与伦比

wú yǔ lún bǐ

This idiom describes something so outstanding or unique that nothing else can be compared to it. It …

无置锥地

wú zhì zhuī dì

Literally means not even having enough ground to stick an awl into. It describes a state of extreme …

无恶不作

wú è bù zuò

To commit every conceivable evil; to stop at no wickedness. It describes someone who has done all ma…

挖肉补疮

wā ròu bǔ chuāng

A metaphor for solving an urgent problem with a harmful method that only makes things worse in the l…

剜肉成疮

wān ròu chéng chuāng

Literally 'cutting flesh to form a new sore.' It describes a situation where someone tries to fix on…

微不足道

wēi bù zú dào

Something so small or trivial that it is not worth mentioning. It describes matters of negligible im…

威凤一羽

wēi fèng yī yǔ

This idiom refers to catching a glimpse of excellent governance through just a small sample. Just as…

微服私行

wēi fú sī xíng

To disguise oneself in commoner's clothes and travel incognito among the people. Historically, it re…

威风八面

wēi fēng bā miàn

Describes someone who is extremely imposing and intimidating, radiating power and authority in every…

威风祥麟

wēi fēng xiáng lín

This idiom refers to the phoenix and the qilin, legendary auspicious creatures from ancient Chinese …

微言大谊

wēi yán dà yì

Profound meaning contained within subtle or concise language. This idiom describes how deep truths c…

危言竦论

wēi yán sǒng lùn

This idiom describes speech or arguments that frighten, shock, or deeply unsettle the audience. It i…

逶迤退食

wēi yí tuì shí

This idiom describes an official who handles public affairs with calm composure and modest restraint…

威震天下

wēi zhèn tiān xià

To have one's might and prestige spread across the entire land, astonishing the whole world. It desc…

危在旦夕

wēi zài dàn xī

Describes a perilous situation where disaster could strike at any moment — as close as the span betw…

温故知新

wēn gù zhī xīn

To review what one has already learned and gain new understanding from it. It emphasizes that revisi…

温情蜜意

wēn qíng mì yì

Describes tender, sweet, and intimate affection, usually between lovers or close companions. The war…

温柔敦厚

wēn róu dūn hòu

Originally describing a mild temperament and an honest, generous disposition, this idiom now broadly…

温香艳玉

wēn xiāng yàn yù

A metaphor describing the beautiful qualities and charm of a woman. The phrase evokes warmth, fragra…

尾大不掉

wěi dà bù diào

The tail is too large to wag. Originally a metaphor for subordinates growing so powerful that superi…

委过于人

wěi guò yú rén

To shift blame onto others; to attribute one's own mistakes or faults to someone else. It describes …

委曲求全

wěi qǔ qiú quán

To compromise one's principles and accommodate others in order to preserve a situation or maintain h…

唯唯连声

wěi wěi lián shēng

To repeatedly answer with deferential 'yes, yes,' showing submission or obedience. It describes some…

委罪于人

wěi zuì yú rén

To shift the blame for a fault or crime onto someone else. It describes a person who refuses to acce…

稳扎稳打

wěn zhā wěn dǎ

Originally a military strategy of firmly establishing camp before attacking with confidence. It now …

乌白马角

wū bái mǎ jiǎo

A crow turning white and a horse growing horns. It metaphorically refers to something that is utterl…

乌飞兔走

wū fēi tù zǒu

In ancient Chinese myth, a three-legged golden crow dwelt in the sun and a jade rabbit in the moon. …

屋上建瓴

wū shàng jiàn líng

The idiom describes tipping over a bottle of water from a rooftop so it pours straight down, conveyi…

污手垢面

wū shǒu gòu miàn

This idiom describes a person whose hands and face are covered in dirt and grime. It portrays a stat…

乌衣之游

wū yī zhī yóu

Refers to a gathering of relatives for literary composition and wine appreciation. It evokes the tra…

瓦解冰销

wǎ jiě bīng xiāo

Like tiles crumbling apart and ice melting away, this idiom is a metaphor for complete collapse, dis…

晚节黄花

wǎn jié huáng huā

The chrysanthemum (黄花) blooms in late autumn when other flowers have withered, symbolizing noble con…

晚节不保

wǎn jíe bù bǎo

To fail to preserve one's moral integrity in one's later years. It describes a person who, after a l…

晚生后学

wǎn shēng hòu xué

Refers to junior disciples or younger practitioners who study the same art, skill, or discipline as …

枉己正人

wǎng jǐ zhèng rén

To be crooked oneself yet try to straighten others. It describes a hypocrite whose own conduct is im…

枉勘虚招

wǎng kān xū zhāo

To obtain a confession through torture and coercion, resulting in a false admission of guilt. It des…

惘然若失

wǎng rán ruò shī

Describes a state of feeling dejected and empty, as though one has lost something precious. It conve…

枉直随形

wǎng zhí suí xíng

The crookedness or straightness follows the form. This idiom expresses the philosophical idea that c…

我心如秤

wǒ xīn rú chèng

This idiom expresses that one handles matters with extreme fairness and impartiality, like a scale t…

五尺竖子

wǔ chǐ shù zǐ

Refers to a young child who has not yet come of age. In ancient China, the unit of length called 'ch…

武断乡曲

wǔ duàn xiāng qū

This idiom refers to using one's power and influence to tyrannize and dominate the local community. …

五谷不升

wǔ gǔ bù shēng

The five grains do not grow, referring to a year of crop failure and famine. It describes a situatio…

五羖大夫

wǔ gǔ dà fū

An epithet for Baili Xi, a man of extraordinary talent ransomed from slavery for the price of five r…

五谷丰登

wǔ gǔ fēng dēng

An idiom describing a bumper harvest of all crops, symbolizing prosperity and favorable weather for …

五花八门

wǔ huā bā mén

A wide variety; many different kinds of things. Diverse and colorful.

五经扫地

wǔ jīng sǎo dì

The Five Classics stand for scholars and men of learning. This idiom means that scholars have lost a…

五里雾中

wǔ lǐ wù zhōng

Literally 'within a five-mile fog.' It describes a state of being confused, dazed, or unable to see …

五马分尸

wǔ mǎ fēn shī

Originally referring to a brutal ancient Chinese execution method where five horses tore a person's …

五内俱崩

wǔ nèi jù bēng

One's five internal organs all shatter, describing a state of extreme grief and sorrow. It conveys t…

五内如焚

wǔ nèi rú fén

The five internal organs feel as if they are on fire. It describes a state of extreme anxiety, angui…

舞裙歌扇

wǔ qún gē shàn

Refers to the skirts and fans used in dancing and singing, and by extension to singing and dancing e…

五月披裘

wǔ yuè pī qiú

A metaphor for being incorruptible, upright, and possessing noble integrity. It describes a person o…

五洲四海

wǔ zhōu sì hǎi

A figurative expression referring to all parts of the world, everywhere across the globe. It emphasi…

夏虫语冰

xià chóng yǔ bīng

A metaphor for a person whose knowledge is limited by narrow experience, like a summer insect that c…

下车之始

xià chē zhī shǐ

This idiom refers to the very beginning of an official's tenure, right when they first arrive at the…

下车作威

xià chē zuò wēi

Originally referring to feudal-era officials who, upon arriving at a new post, would immediately dis…

下气怡色

xià qì yí sè

Describes a calm and pleasant complexion with a submissive, respectful attitude. It refers to the wa…

下情上达

xià qíng shàng dá

The situation or opinions of those below can reach those above. It describes the smooth flow of info…

夏雨雨人

xià yǔ yǔ rén

The first 'rain' is a noun meaning rainfall, and the second 'rain' is a verb meaning to rain upon. T…

下逐客令

xià zhú kè lìng

To issue an order expelling guests or visitors. It figuratively means a host driving away unwelcome …

献替可否

xiàn tì kě fǒu

To advise a superior by presenting what is good and feasible while dissuading what is harmful or imp…

现钟不打

xiàn zhōng bù dǎ

A metaphor for having something ready-made or readily available yet failing to make use of it. It de…

向壁虚构

xiàng bì xū gòu

This idiom literally means fabricating something while facing a wall, with no basis in fact or reali…

象齿焚身

xiàng chǐ fén shēn

The elephant is hunted and killed because of its precious ivory tusks. Metaphorically, it means that…

橡饭菁羹

xiàng fàn jīng gēng

Making a meal of acorns and soup of turnips. It refers to coarse, poor food and a frugal diet. The i…

象耕鸟耘

xiàng gēng niǎo yún

According to legend, after the sage king Shun died at Cangwu, elephants came to plow the fields arou…

向火乞儿

xiàng huǒ qǐ ér

A beggar warming himself by a fire. A metaphor for someone who curries favor with the powerful, clin…

相鼠有皮

xiàng shǔ yǒu pí

Even a rat at least has skin. This idiom uses the rat as a metaphor to remind people that even the l…

巷议街谈

xiàng yì jiē tán

Refers to the discussions, gossip, and opinions exchanged among ordinary people in streets and alley…

向隅而泣

xiàng yú ér qì

To weep alone in a corner, isolated from others' joy. Feeling left out while others celebrate.

孝思不匮

xiào sī bù kuì

This idiom describes a person whose filial devotion and thoughts toward their parents never waver or…

孝悌忠信

xiào tì zhōng xìn

This idiom denotes the four cardinal virtues of Confucian moral philosophy: being filial to one's pa…

孝子爱日

xiào zǐ ài rì

A filial son cherishes the days he has with his parents. It expresses the idea of treasuring the tim…

笑傲风月

xiào ào fēng yuè

To laugh proudly at the wind and moon; to live a carefree, leisurely life enjoying nature. It descri…

遐方绝域

xiá fāng jué yù

Refers to remote, out-of-the-way regions far from the centers of civilization. The idiom describes p…

匣剑帷灯

xiá jiàn wéi dēng

A sword in its case or a lamp behind a curtain — their gleam inevitably seeps through. Metaphoricall…

狭路相逢

xiá lù xiāng féng

Literally means meeting on a narrow road where there is no room to pass. It is most often used metap…

匣里龙吟

xiá lǐ lóng yīn

A precious sword emits a dragon-like roar while still in its box. Originally referring to the supern…

瑕瑜互见

xiá yú hù xiàn

Used to describe something that displays both merits and shortcomings at once. The phrase compares 瑕…

霞姿月韵

xiá zī yuè yùn

This idiom describes a person's exceptionally handsome and elegant bearing, comparing their graceful…

遐迩闻名

xiá ěr wén míng

遐 means distant and 迩 means near; together they describe a reputation that extends in every directio…

遐尔闻名

xiá ěr wén míng

Describes a person or thing whose reputation is so great that it is known everywhere, both far away …

闲愁万种

xián chóu wàn zhǒng

Refers to countless worries that cannot be named or expressed. Describes someone with an empty mind …

闲花野草

xián huā yě cǎo

Literally refers to wild flowers and grasses growing freely in the fields. Metaphorically, it descri…

闲情别致

xián qíng bié zhì

Refers to a relaxed state of mind accompanied by refined and distinctive enjoyment. It conveys a sen…

闲情逸趣

xián qíng yì qù

This idiom describes a relaxed, carefree mood and pleasant, unhurried interests. It refers to the st…

贤妻良母

xián qī liáng mǔ

A good wife to one's husband and a good mother to one's children. This phrase describes a woman who …

闲神野鬼

xián shén yě guǐ

Originally a superstitious term for wandering, unenshrined spirits and ghosts. Metaphorically, it re…

弦外之意

xián wài zhī yì

The meaning that lies beyond the literal words, the implied or underlying message that is hinted at …

闲言泼语

xián yán pō yǔ

This idiom refers to idle gossip, irrelevant chatter, or nonsense that has nothing to do with the ma…

咸阳一炬

xián yáng yī jǔ

Xianyang was the capital of the Qin Dynasty, and 'jù' refers to a torch or fire. The phrase describe…

闲云孤鹤

xián yún gū hè

Floating clouds and a solitary crane. It is a metaphor for a person who is free, unconstrained, and …

闲云野鹤

xián yún yě hè

Literally "idle clouds and wild cranes," this idiom describes a person who lives a leisurely, carefr…

邂逅不偶

xiè hòu bù ǒu

This idiom describes a situation where, despite a chance encounter or promising opportunity, things …

谢家活计

xiè jiā huó jì

A metaphor for composing poetry. It alludes to the Xie family of the Southern Dynasties, whose membe…

谢兰燕桂

xiè lán yàn guì

A metaphor for talented nephews and younger descendants who bring honor and glory to their family. I…

泄漏天机

xiè lòu tiān jī

To divulge heavenly secrets or mysterious cosmic plans that were never meant to be known by mortals.…

燮理阴阳

xiè lǐ yīn yáng

燮 means to harmonize or adjust, and 理 means to govern or manage. The idiom originally referred to th…

邪不伐正

xié bù fá zhèng

Evil or wicked forces cannot overcome or cut down righteous integrity. It expresses the conviction t…

邪不压正

xié bù yā zhèng

This idiom asserts that wicked and improper forces can never truly overcome what is righteous and ju…

胁不沾席

xié bù zhān xí

Describes a Buddhist practitioner who cultivates with tireless diligence and ascetic discipline. It …

斜风细雨

xié fēng xì yǔ

Literally describes a gentle slanting wind accompanied by light, fine rain. It evokes a soft, misty …

胁肩絫足

xié jiān lèi zú

Describes the appearance of fear and apprehension. The image is of a person hunching their shoulders…

携老扶弱

xié lǎo fú ruò

To lead the elderly by the hand and support the weak. It describes a scene of communal care and comp…

斜行横阵

xié xíng héng zhèn

This idiom describes the flying formations of wild geese during migration. Geese fly either in a dia…

雄才大略

xióng cái dà lüè

Outstanding ability combined with far-reaching strategic vision. It describes a ruler, general, or l…

熊经鸟曳

xióng jīng niǎo yè

An ancient Chinese daoyin (导引) health practice mimicking animal movements. It describes stretching t…

熊经鸟引

xióng jīng niǎo yǐn

An ancient Chinese health and longevity practice involving stretching exercises that mimic the movem…

虚晃一枪

xiù huàng yī qiāng

To feign a thrust with a spear as a deceptive diversion. Metaphorically, it describes making a false…

秀水明山

xiù shuǐ míng shān

Beautiful waters and bright mountains. It describes scenery that is picturesque and pleasing to the …

臭味相投

xiù wèi xiāng tóu

Describes people who share the same tastes, interests, or disposition and therefore get along well t…

瞎子摸鱼

xiā zi mō yú

A metaphor for acting blindly without investigation or research. It likens reckless, uninformed acti…

鲜蹦活跳

xiān bèng huó tiào

This idiom describes fish, poultry, or other animals that are lively and jumping around with abundan…

先发制人

xiān fā zhì rén

To gain the upper hand by acting first and seizing the initiative. Originally referring to the strat…

先见之明

xiān jiàn zhī míng

The ability to foresee events before they happen; keen foresight or prophetic vision. It describes s…

先来后到

xiān lái hòu dào

A principle of priority based on order of arrival — whoever arrives first should be served or attend…

先礼后兵

xiān lǐ hòu bīng

To attempt polite and diplomatic means first before resorting to force or strong measures. It descri…

鲜眉亮眼

xiān méi liàng yǎn

Literally 'fresh eyebrows and bright eyes,' describing someone with clear, well-defined brows and br…

先人后己

xiān rén hòu jǐ

To consider the needs and interests of others before thinking of oneself. It describes a selfless at…

先入之见

xiān rù zhī jiàn

A preconceived notion or prejudice formed before properly investigating a matter. It refers to an op…

先意希旨

xiān yì xī zhǐ

Originally describing a filial child who anticipates and fulfills parents' wishes before they are sp…

鲜衣怒马

xiān yī nù mǎ

Dressed in splendid garments and riding fine spirited horses, this idiom paints a picture of ostenta…

先知先觉

xiān zhī xiān jué

Refers to a person who understands and perceives things earlier than others — someone with exception…

仙姿佚貌

xiān zī yì mào

Describes a woman of extraordinary beauty, with the elegance of a celestial fairy and a countenance …

仙姿玉貌

xiān zī yù mào

Describes a woman whose bearing and appearance are both exceptionally beautiful, likening her grace …

香车宝马

xiāng chē bǎo mǎ

A splendid carriage drawn by fine, valuable horses. The phrase refers to luxurious and well-appointe…

相得益彰

xiāng dé yì zhāng

Two or more things complement each other perfectly, bringing out the best in one another. When paire…

相逢恨晚

xiāng féng hèn wǎn

Describes two people who feel they should have met far earlier because they hit it off at once and s…

香闺绣阁

xiāng guī xiù gé

In old China this idiom referred to a woman's private inner chamber — an elegant, ornate boudoir whe…

相煎太急

xiāng jiān tài jí

A metaphor for bitter internal strife or fratricidal conflict, especially among brothers or close as…

相去无几

xiāng qù wú jǐ

The two are not far apart from each other; the difference between them is negligible or insignifican…

相视莫逆

xiāng shì mò nì

To look at each other with nothing contrary in one's heart, describing a friendship so deep and harm…

相忘形骸

xiāng wàng xíng hái

Refers to people treating each other without any formality or restraint, disregarding social convent…

相形失色

xiāng xíng shī sè

When compared with something of the same kind, one appears far inferior and loses its luster. It des…

相呴相济

xiāng xǔ xiāng jì

This idiom refers to mutual aid and rescue in times of difficulty. It originates from the imagery of…

相呴以湿

xiāng xǔ yǐ shī

Literally describing fish stranded out of water that moisten each other with their exhaled breath. I…

相沿成俗

xiāng yán chéng sú

To follow an existing practice over time until it becomes a customary tradition. It describes how ha…

相依为命

xiāng yī wéi mìng

To depend on each other for survival. It describes a relationship where two parties rely on one anot…

枵腹终朝

xiāo fù zhōng cháo

This idiom describes the condition of going hungry for an entire day, from morning to night. It conv…

啸侣命俦

xiāo lǚ mìng chóu

This idiom means to call out to and summon one's companions, gathering friends and peers together. I…

销声匿影

xiāo shēng nì yǐng

To vanish from the public eye, hiding oneself away and avoiding any appearance or trace. It describe…

枭首示众

xiāo shǒu shì zhòng

To behead someone and publicly display their severed head as a warning to others. This was an ancien…

消息盈冲

xiāo xī yíng chōng

Refers to the natural cycle of waxing and waning, growth and decline that governs all things. It als…

逍遥自在

xiāo yáo zì zài

Free and unconstrained, living in leisure and contentment. It describes a state of being completely …

宵衣旰食

xiāo yī gàn shí

Rising before dawn to dress and eating only after nightfall, this idiom describes someone who works …

哓音瘏口

xiāo yīn tú kǒu

This idiom describes someone who has talked so much that their voice becomes hoarse and their mouth …

兄弟怡怡

xiōng dì yí yí

Describes the harmonious and affectionate relationship between brothers. It depicts siblings living …

兄死弟及

xiōng féi dì jí

Originally referring to the ancient succession practice where, upon the death of an older brother wh…

兄肥弟瘦

xiōng féi dì shòu

A metaphor for deep fraternal love, where brothers would sacrifice themselves for each other in time…

胸有成算

xiōng yǒu chéng suàn

To have a well-formed plan already in mind before taking action. It describes someone who has though…

胸有成竹

xiōng yǒu chéng zhú

To have a well-thought-out plan or a clear picture in mind before taking action. It describes someon…

胸有鳞甲

xiōng yǒu lín jiǎ

This idiom metaphorically describes someone who harbors sinister and treacherous intentions deep wit…

凶终隙末

xiōng zhōng xì mò

This idiom describes friendships that cannot be maintained permanently, where close friends eventual…

脩辞立诚

xiū cí lì chéng

Originally referring to cultivating literary education and establishing trustworthiness, this idiom …

休牛归马

xiū niú guī mǎ

To release military cattle and horses back to civilian life, signifying the cessation of war. It sym…

显而易见

xiǎn ér yì jiàn

This idiom describes something that is plainly visible or a truth that is extremely easy to perceive…

想入非非

xiǎng rù fēi fēi

Originally a Buddhist term referring to the formless realm beyond conceptual thought. The idiom desc…

享帚自珍

xiǎng zhǒu zì zhēn

A metaphor for treasuring something of one's own even though it may be of poor quality or little wor…

小惩大诫

xiǎo chéng dà jiè

To punish lightly for a minor offense so that the offender learns a lesson and avoids committing a m…

小家碧玉

xiǎo jiā bì yù

Refers to a beautiful young woman from a humble or ordinary family background. The term emphasizes n…

小康之家

xiǎo kāng zhī jiā

A household that enjoys a modest but comfortable standard of living, with enough to meet daily needs…

小廉大法

xiǎo lián dà fǎ

This idiom describes a state of good governance where minor officials are honest and upright in thei…

小试锋芒

xiǎo shì fēng máng

To slightly display one's talents or abilities. The term uses the metaphor of a sword's edge to repr…

朽木不雕

xiǔ mù bù diāo

Rotten wood cannot be carved. It is a metaphor for a person who is incorrigible and incapable of imp…

朽木粪土

xiǔ mù fèn tǔ

Literally referring to rotten wood and filthy dirt. It is a metaphor for a person who is beyond educ…

朽木死灰

xiǔ mù sǐ huī

Rotten wood and cold ashes left after a fire goes out. It is a metaphor for a state of extreme depre…

宿水飡风

xiǔ shuǐ cān fēng

Describes the extreme hardship of travel or life in the wild, where one is forced to sleep wherever …

朽株枯木

xiǔ zhū kū mù

This idiom uses a decaying stump and a dead tree as metaphors for weakened or useless power, often r…

眩目惊心

xuàn mù jīng xīn

Something that dazzles the eyes and startles the heart. It describes a sight so striking, splendid, …

炫石为玉

xuàn shí wéi yù

To pass off stone as jade, flaunting something worthless as if it were precious. It is a metaphor fo…

学如登山

xuá rú dēng shān

Learning is compared to climbing a mountain, requiring sustained effort and gradual upward progress.…

悬鹑百结

xuán chún bǎi jié

Describes clothing that is extremely tattered and covered in patches. The imagery comes from a quail…

悬车告老

xuán chē gào lǎo

To retire from public office and return to private life. The idiom describes the act of an elderly o…

悬车致仕

xuán chē zhì shì

To hang up one's carriage and retire from government office, referring to an official retiring in ol…

悬车之岁

xuán chē zhī suì

Refers to the age of seventy, when ancient Chinese officials would retire from public service and ce…

悬灯结彩

xuán dēng jié cǎi

To hang lanterns and festoon with colorful ribbons and ornaments. It describes a scene of festive ce…

悬龟系鱼

xuán guī@jì yú

Refers to holding high-ranking official positions in government. The phrase comes from the Tang dyna…

悬梁刺股

xuán liáng cì gǔ

To study with desperate intensity and self-imposed hardship. It describes someone who endures physic…

玄圃积玉

xuán pǔ jī yù

Literally 'jade amassed in the Mysterious Garden,' referring to the legendary paradise where fine ja…

悬头刺股

xuán tóu cì gǔ

Describes someone who studies with extreme diligence and self-discipline, willing to endure physical…

悬悬而望

xuán xuán ér wàng

To wait anxiously and yearningly for someone or something with one's whole heart. The reduplication …

悬崖勒马

xuán yá lè mǎ

Literally 'pulling in the reins at the edge of a precipice.' It describes pulling back just in time …

悬崕峭壁

xuán yá qiào bì

Describes steep, precipitous mountain terrain with overhanging cliffs and sheer rock faces. It is a …

悬崖撒手

xuán yá sā shǒu

A metaphor for reaching a dead end where one must decisively cut ties and choose a new path without …

悬车之年

xuán　chē　zhī　nián

悬车 means to hang up one's carriage. In ancient times, officials customarily retired at age seventy, …

血风肉雨

xuè fēng ròu yǔ

Describes a scene of brutal slaughter and carnage, where blood flies like rain and flesh scatters in…

血雨腥风

xuè yǔ xīng fēng

Wind carries the stench of blood and rain falls tinged with crimson. It describes a terrifying atmos…

学而不厌

xué ér bù yàn

To have an insatiable thirst for learning. Studying endlessly without growing tired of it.

揎拳捰袖

xuān quán lǒng xiù

Extending one's fists and rolling up one's sleeves. It describes a rough, aggressive posture indicat…

揎拳掳袖

xuān quán lǔ xiù

Rolling up one's sleeves and clenching one's fists to expose the arms. It describes a person prepari…

削株掘根

xuē zhū jué gēn

To cut down the stump and dig out the root, meaning to eradicate something completely and thoroughly…

雪鬓霜鬟

xuě bìn shuāng huán

White hair at the temples and frosted hair buns. It is a metaphorical description of the white hair …

雪窑冰天

xuě jiào bīng tiān

The idiom describes a land covered everywhere with ice and snow, referring to regions of extreme, bi…

雪里送炭

xuě lǐ sòng tàn

To deliver charcoal during snowy weather; a metaphor for providing timely help to someone in urgent …

雪中鸿爪

xuě zhōng hóng zhǎo

A metaphor for the faint traces left behind by past events. Like a wild goose's claw marks fleetingl…

癣疥之疾

xuǎn jiè zhī jí

Literally refers to two minor skin conditions — ringworm and scabies. Metaphorically, it describes t…

选贤任能

xuǎn xián rèn néng

To select and appoint people of virtue and talent to positions of responsibility. It emphasizes the …

细水长流

xì shuǐ cháng liú

A steady, sustainable trickle can endure indefinitely — this idiom advises pacing oneself and acting…

细微末节

xì wēi mò jié

This idiom refers to trivial, insignificant details or minor matters that are of little consequence.…

信口开合

xìn kǒu kāi hé

A metaphor for talking carelessly and recklessly, saying whatever comes to mind without regard for t…

信口开喝

xìn kǒu kāi hē

This idiom describes someone who speaks recklessly and makes careless, unfounded statements without …

衅起萧墙

xìn qǐ xiāo qiáng

Refers to disaster or conflict erupting from within one's own household or inner circle. The 'screen…

信赏必罚

xìn shǎng bì fá

信 means genuine and unwavering. Those with merit are surely rewarded, and those with faults are sure…

信手拈来

xìn shǒu niān lái

To casually grab or take something at hand. It commonly describes someone writing with such skill an…

兴会淋漓

xìng huì lín lí

This idiom describes a state of high creative inspiration and exuberant spirits. It conveys a feelin…

性命交关

xìng mìng jiāo guān

Describes a matter of extreme urgency and importance, literally one where life itself is at stake. I…

行不履危

xíng bù lǚ wēi

Literally 'to walk without treading on danger.' It means to avoid going into dangerous places or sit…

行不胜衣

xíng bù shèng yī

Describes someone so physically frail that even their own clothes seem too heavy to bear. It is a vi…

行不由径

xíng bù yóu jìng

Literally means never taking shortcuts or side paths. Figuratively, it describes a person of unimpea…

行藏用舍

xíng cáng yòng shě

A Confucian maxim advising one to serve and take action when recognized by a worthy ruler, and to wi…

行古志今

xíng gǔ zhì jīn

To practice the ways of antiquity while directing one's efforts toward serving the present age. It c…

形劫势禁

xíng jié shì jìn

This idiom describes a situation where one is hindered or constrained by unfavorable circumstances, …

行己有耻

xíng jǐ yǒu chǐ

A person should govern their actions by a sense of shame, refraining from anything they consider dis…

行若无事

xíng ruò wú shì

To behave as if nothing were happening, remaining calm and composed in an emergency or crisis. It ca…

形容憔悴

xíng róng qiáo cuì

Describes a person whose physical appearance is worn out and depleted, with a sallow or unhealthy co…

形势逼人

xíng shì bī rén

This idiom means that the situation is developing rapidly and forcing people to work harder or take …

形销骨立

xíng xiāo gǔ lì

Describes a person who has become extremely emaciated, with the body wasted away and bones standing …

形形色色

xíng xíng sè sè

This idiom describes things of all kinds and varieties. It originally referred to that which gives f…

行易知难

xíng yì zhī nán

This idiom states that carrying out an action is easy, but truly understanding the underlying princi…

形影相附

xíng yǐng xiāng fù

This idiom describes relying on and accompanying each other in lonely or isolated circumstances, lik…

行住坐卧

xíng zhù zuò wò

Literally referring to the four basic postures of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, it den…

行针步线

xíng zhēn bù xiàn

To design schemes and plan strategies with meticulous care, like a tailor carefully guiding every st…

絮果兰因

xù guǒ lán yīn

The orchid cause represents a beautiful, fragrant beginning—a union or marriage that starts with pro…

旭日初升

xù rì chū shēng

Literally describes the morning sun just rising in the east. It is used metaphorically to describe a…

旭日东升

xù rì dōng shēng

The morning sun rising in the east. It describes a vigorous and flourishing atmosphere full of vital…

噀玉喷珠

xùn yù pēn zhū

Describes speech that is exceptionally eloquent and pleasing to the ear, as if precious jade and pea…

循环无端

xún huán wú duān

This idiom describes something that moves in endless cycles, with no discernible beginning or end. I…

寻死觅活

xún sǐ mì huó

This idiom describes someone making a scene by threatening to commit suicide or harm themselves. It …

循涂守辙

xún tú shǒu zhé

This idiom means to follow established rules and conventions without deviation. It evokes the image …

寻消问息

xún xiāo wèn xī

To seek news and inquire about information. It describes the act of actively trying to learn about s…

鼷腹鹪枝

xī fù jiāo zhī

A metaphor for having limited desires and being content with little. Just as a wren needs only one b…

西方净土

xī fāng jìng tǔ

A Buddhist term referring to the Western Paradise or Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the realm of Amita…

西风落叶

xī fēng luò yè

Literally describing the autumn scenery of the west wind blowing and leaves falling. It is often use…

吸风饮露

xī fēnɡ yǐn lù

A Daoist and poetic expression describing immortals or hermits who abstain from eating the five grai…

析肝刿胆

xī gān guì dǎn

A metaphor for baring one's innermost heart to demonstrate utter sincerity and loyalty. The imagery …

析肝吐胆

xī gān tǔ dǎn

This idiom literally means to cut open one's liver and spill out one's gallbladder, symbolizing the …

熙来攘往

xī lái rǎng wǎng

Describes a scene where people are constantly coming and going, creating a lively and crowded atmosp…

析律舞文

xī lǜ wǔ wēn

This idiom refers to deliberately manipulating words and twisting the wording of legal provisions to…

嬉皮笑脸

xī pí xiào liǎn

Describes someone smiling and joking in a frivolous, unserious manner. It conveys a lack of solemnit…

希世之宝

xī shì zhī bǎo

A rare and extraordinarily precious treasure seldom found in the world. It is used to describe objec…

希世之珍

xī shì zhī zhēn

A rare treasure seldom seen in the world. It is used metaphorically to describe something extremely …

吸新吐故

xī xīn tǔ gù

To breathe in fresh air and expel stale air. Originally a Daoist breathing technique for nourishing …

夕阳西下

xī yáng xī xià

Literally means the sun setting in the west at dusk. It is used to describe the scene of sunset at e…

习焉不察

xī yān bù chá

Being so accustomed to something that one becomes oblivious to the problems or true nature within it…

心不在焉

xīn bù zài yān

The mind is not present. It describes a state of distraction where one's thoughts are elsewhere, lac…

心慈面软

xīn cí miàn ruǎn

Describes a person who is kind-hearted and gentle by nature, often unable to be stern or harsh even …

心粗气浮

xīn cū qì fú

Describes a person who is careless and impetuous, lacking both attention to detail and composure. It…

心腹大患

xīn fù dà huàn

This idiom refers to a serious hidden danger or a major threat in a vital, critical area. It describ…

心腹之病

xīn fù zhī bìng

A fatal disease located in the heart and abdomen—the most vital region of the body. Metaphorically r…

心服口服

xīn fú kǒu fú

To be genuinely convinced both inwardly and outwardly. It describes a situation where someone not on…

心服首肯

xīn fú shǒu kěn

This idiom describes being genuinely convinced in one's heart and nodding in agreement. It conveys s…

心甘情原

xīn gān qíng yuán

This idiom describes being completely willing and content to do something, without the slightest rel…

心怀鬼胎

xīn huái guǐ tāi

A metaphor for harboring a secret, ulterior motive or guilty conscience. It describes someone who co…

心怀叵测

xīn huái pǒ cè

To harbor malicious intentions that cannot be easily fathomed. It describes someone whose inner moti…

心花怒放

xīn huā nù fàng

One's heart blooms like a flower in full blossom, describing a state of being extremely happy or ove…

心灰意懒

xīn huī yì lǎn

Describes a state of complete discouragement and loss of motivation. When someone is so disappointed…

新婚燕尔

xīn hūn yàn ěr

Originally a lament by a discarded wife about her husband's happiness with his new bride, the phrase…

心坚石穿

xīn jiān shí chuān

With a will so firm it can pierce through stone. It is a metaphor meaning that with unwavering deter…

心焦如焚

xīn jiāo rú fén

This idiom describes a state of extreme anxiety and agitation, as if one's heart were engulfed in fl…

心惊胆战

xīn jīng dǎn zhàn

This idiom describes being extremely frightened or terrified, to the point where one's heart pounds …

心旌摇曳

xīn jīng yáo yè

The mind is unsettled and restless, like a banner fluttering and swaying in the wind with nowhere to…

心旷神恬

xīn kuàng shén tián

A state of feeling open-hearted and peaceful in spirit. It describes a mood of mental tranquility an…

心旷神怡

xīn kuàng shén yí

Describes a state of being completely relaxed and joyful, with a broad and open mind. It conveys the…

心旷神愉

xīn kuàng shén yú

This idiom describes a state where one's mind feels expansive and one's spirit is joyful. It is a va…

心口相应

xīn kǒu xiāng yīng

What one thinks in the heart and what one says with the mouth are consistent. It describes a person …

心辣手狠

xīn là shǒu hěn

This idiom describes a person whose heart is cruel and whose methods are vicious and ruthless. It is…

心力交瘁

xīn lì jiāo cuì

Both mind and body are utterly exhausted. It describes a state of complete mental and physical fatig…

心忙意急

xīn máng yì jí

Describes a state of inner panic and mental disarray, where one's heart races and thoughts become sc…

心若死灰

xīn ruò sǐ huī

Literally 'the heart is like dead ashes.' Originally a Daoist concept describing a state of complete…

心如刀割

xīn rú dāo gē

One's heart feels as if it were being cut by a knife. It describes a state of deep emotional pain, s…

心如金石

xīn rú jīn shí

Literally 'heart like metal and stone.' It describes someone whose will is extremely firm and unwave…

心神不定

xīn shén bù dìng

One's mind is restless and cannot settle down, feeling anxious and unsettled. It describes a state o…

心手相忘

xīn shǒu xiāng wàng

This idiom describes a state of ultimate mastery where mind and hands work in such perfect harmony t…

心雄万夫

xīn xióng wàn fū

Literally 'a heart that surpasses ten thousand men.' It describes someone whose ambition and aspirat…

新学小生

xīn xué xiǎo shēng

Refers to a young or inexperienced scholar who has only recently begun their studies, with limited k…

心心相印

xīn xīn xiāng yìn

Two people understand each other completely, as if their hearts were sealed together. It describes a…

新益求新

xīn yì qiú xīn

When something is already new, one still seeks to make it even newer. It describes a relentless purs…

心有余悸

xīn yǒu yú jì

Although a dangerous situation has passed, one still feels afraid when recalling it. The fear contin…

心殒胆破

xīn yǔn dǎn pò

Describes a state of extreme terror or fright, where one's heart drops and courage shatters. It conv…

心知其意

xīn zhī qí yì

To inwardly grasp the essence or main idea of something. It refers to deeply understanding the core …

兴兵动众

xīng bīng dòng zhòng

Originally referred to mobilizing a large military force for war. In modern usage it means deploying…

星驰电掣

xīng chí diàn chè

Like stars racing across the sky and lightning flashing by. It describes something moving with extre…

兴风作浪

xīng fēng zuò làng

Literally to raise winds and stir up waves. It originally described demons and monsters in mythologi…

兴家立业

xīng jiā lì yè

To build up a household and establish a career. It describes the process of achieving both domestic …

兴利除弊

xīng lì chú bì

To initiate beneficial undertakings and eliminate harmful practices or abuses. It refers to carrying…

兴妖作乱

xīng yāo zuò luàn

To stir up trouble and create disorder, like evil spirits wreaking havoc. It describes troublemakers…

盱衡厉色

xū héng lì sè

To raise one's eyebrows and eyes with a stern, severe expression. It describes someone displaying fi…

嘘枯吹生

xū kū chuī shēng

Literally, to breathe warmth onto withered things so they revive and to blow onto living things so t…

须弥芥子

xū mí jiè zǐ

This Buddhist idiom describes fitting the vast Mount Sumeru into a tiny mustard seed without any red…

须髯如戟

xū rán rú jǐ

Describes a man whose beard is long, stiff, and stands out like the blades of a halberd. It conveys …

虚无飘渺

xū wú piāo miǎo

Describes something that is hazy, illusory, and barely perceptible, as if it exists and yet does not…

虚有其表

xū yǒu qí biǎo

Having only a handsome or impressive exterior while actually being lacking in substance or ability. …

虚与委蛇

xū yǔ wēi yí

To deal with someone in a false, perfunctory manner, pretending to be agreeable while lacking genuin…

虚嘴掠舌

xū zuǐ lüè shé

This idiom is a metaphor for sweet talk and glib words. It describes someone who speaks cleverly but…

熏风解愠

xūn fēng jiě yùn

The mild southern breeze dispels worries and resentment, bringing comfort and peace of mind. It meta…

喜出望外

xǐ chū wàng wài

To be overjoyed, delighted beyond expectation. It describes the feeling of being pleasantly surprise…

洗垢索瘢

xǐ gòu suǒ bān

Literally 'washing away dirt to search for scars.' It is a metaphor for deliberately seeking out and…

洗颈就戮

xǐ jǐng jiù lù

To wash one's neck clean and stretch it under the executioner's blade. It is a metaphor for passivel…

喜气洋洋

xǐ qì yáng yáng

Full of joy and happiness, with a cheerful expression or atmosphere that radiates outward. It descri…

喜闻乐见

xǐ wén lè jiàn

This idiom describes something that people love to hear and see, referring to things that are widely…

洗心涤虑

xǐ xīn dí lǜ

To wash away selfish thoughts and cleanse lingering concerns from one's mind. It describes a person …

洗心革面

xǐ xīn gé miàn

To cleanse one's heart and change one's face. A metaphor for undergoing a thorough moral transformat…

喜逐颜开

xǐ zhú yán kāi

It describes someone so delighted that a smile spreads across their whole face. The phrase conveys o…

欲谁归罪

yu shui gui zhui

A rhetorical question meaning 'to whom should the blame be attributed?' It is used to question who b…

怨入骨髓

yuàn rù gǔ suǐ

Resentment that penetrates into the very bone and marrow. It describes a hatred so deep and intense …

援笔立成

yuán bǐ lì chéng

To pick up a writing brush and immediately finish composing. It describes someone with quick wit and…

猿鹤虫沙

yuán hè chóng shā

An ancient metaphor for soldiers who died in battle. According to legend, the fallen were transforme…

元奸巨恶

yuán jiān jù è

Refers to the arch-villain and foremost evildoer—the ringleader among the wicked. It describes someo…

猿惊鹤怨

yuán jīng hè yuàn

The apes cry out in alarm and the cranes call in sorrow. It describes a desolate, melancholic scene …

缘木求鱼

yuán mù qiú yú

To pursue a goal through completely wrong methods. Trying to achieve something in a way that can nev…

源清流洁

yuán qīng liú jié

If the source of a river is clear, the water downstream will be clear as well. Originally it meant t…

源清流清

yuán qīng liú qīng

When the source water is clear, the downstream water is naturally clear. This idiom metaphorically e…

猿啼鹤唳

yuán tí hè lì

The mournful cries of apes and the shrill calls of cranes echo through a desolate wilderness. It pai…

原形败露

yuán xíng bài lù

One's true form or original nature is exposed. It describes a situation where a disguise or deceptio…

元元本本

yuán yuán běn běn

To trace things back to their origins and seek their fundamental roots. It means to recount the enti…

原原本本

yuán yuán běn běn

To recount something from beginning to end exactly as it happened, leaving out no detail. It describ…

源远流长

yuán yuǎn liú cháng

It describes something with a long and distinguished history, tracing far back to its origins. Often…

沅芷澧兰

yuán zhǐ lǐ lán

Literally referring to the fragrant herbs growing along the banks of the Yuan and Li rivers. It is u…

沅茞澧兰

yuán zhǐ lǐ lán

A metaphor for people of noble character and integrity, or for things of high moral quality and refi…

月里嫦娥

yuè lǐ cháng é

Literally 'Chang'e in the moon,' referring to the fairy Chang'e who, according to Chinese mythology,…

悦目赏心

yuè mù shǎng xīn

To find visual pleasure in beautiful scenery that brings comfort and joy to one's heart. It describe…

月夕花朝

yuè xī huā zhāo

A moonlit evening and a flower-blooming morning, used to describe beautiful times and scenic moments…

跃跃欲试

yuè yuè yù shì

Describes an eager, enthusiastic readiness to attempt something new or take on a challenge. The pers…

月夜花朝

yuè yè huā zhāo

A moonlit night and a flower-filled morning. It refers to beautiful scenery and wonderful moments in…

月晕而风

yuè yùn ér fēng

When a halo appears around the moon, wind is about to follow. The idiom is used metaphorically to me…

月中折桂

yuè zhōng shé guì

Literally "plucking a cassia branch in the moon." It is a metaphor for passing the imperial civil se…

鸢飞鱼跃

yuān fēi yú yuè

Hawks soar in the sky and fish leap in the water. It describes all things each in their proper place…

冤家对头

yuān jia duì tóu

Refers to sworn enemies or mortal foes — two people who harbor deep resentment toward each other and…

冤家路窄

yuān jiā lù zhǎi

Enemies meet on a narrow road. It describes a situation where enemies or people who wish to avoid ea…

渊鱼丛雀

yuān yú cóng què

Literally driving fish into deep pools and sparrows into thickets. Originally a metaphor for tyranni…

渊鱼丛爵

yuān yú cóng què

The idiom describes how poor or tyrannical governance drives the people to defect to an opposing sid…

远愁近虑

yuǎn chóu jìn lǜ

To worry about both the distant future and the immediate present. It describes a state of excessive …

远年近岁

yuǎn nián jìn suì

Referring to a span of time from the distant past up to the recent present; over a long period of ti…

燕妒莺惭

yàn dù yīng cán

Describes a woman of such remarkable beauty that even swallows grow jealous and orioles feel ashamed…

雁过留声

yàn guò liú shēng

A metaphor drawn from wild geese leaving behind their calls as they fly past. It signifies that a pe…

燕颔虎头

yàn hàn hǔ tóu

Describes a martial and imposing appearance, evoking the image of a powerful warrior. It is commonly…

燕侣莺俦

yàn lǚ yīng chóu

Literally 'swallow companions and oriole mates.' It metaphorically refers to young female companions…

雁默先烹

yàn mò xiān pēng

A metaphor meaning the talentless are eliminated first. It comes from a story about a host choosing …

雁去鱼来

yàn qù yú lái

This idiom refers to the exchange of letters and correspondence between people. Both the goose and t…

燕跃鹄踊

yàn yuè hú yǒng

Describes movement that is swift, fierce, and powerful. It evokes the image of a person springing in…

燕燕莺莺

yàn yàn yīng yīng

A metaphor for beautiful wives, concubines, or young women. The repeated bird names—swallows and ori…

雁影分飞

yàn yǐng fēn fēi

A metaphor for two people who were once close parting ways, drawn from the image of wild geese scatt…

燕语莺声

yàn yǔ yīng shēng

The speech of swallows and the song of orioles. Originally used to depict the beauty of spring, it l…

燕语莺啼

yàn yǔ yīng tí

The phrase depicts the gentle chatter of swallows and the melodious song of orioles. It is used to d…

艳紫妖红

yàn zǐ yāo hóng

Describes flowers of vivid and enchanting colors blooming in great variety. It conveys the dazzling …

宴安醙毒

yàn ān dān dú

This idiom warns that indulging in comfort and pleasure is like drinking poisoned wine—it leads to s…

燕安鸩毒

yàn ān zhèn dú

Indulging in comfort and idle pleasure is tantamount to drinking poisoned wine — it leads to ruin. T…

怏怏不悦

yàng yàng bù yuè

Feeling dissatisfied and unhappy; sulking because things did not turn out as one wished. It describe…

药笼中物

yào lóng zhōng wù

Literally "a thing inside a medicine chest." It refers to medicinal materials kept ready in a chest …

耀武扬威

yào wǔ yáng wēi

To swagger about flaunting one's military power or authority, making an ostentatious show of strengt…

耀祖荣宗

yào zǔ róng zōng

To bring glory and honor to one's ancestors and clan lineage. It describes the traditional Chinese i…

要而言之

yào ér yán zhī

To sum up the main point in a nutshell; to put it succinctly and get straight to the core. It is use…

言必有据

yán bì yǒu jù

Words must be backed by evidence. It describes someone who speaks only with a factual basis and neve…

言出法随

yán chū fǎ suí

Once a decree or command is spoken, the law follows immediately behind it. It means that laws and or…

言从计听

yán cóng jì tīng

To follow someone's words and heed their plans, signifying complete trust in a person. It describes …

言多伤行

yán duō shāng xíng

Talking too much can cause problems that damage one's conduct and character. Excessive speech may le…

颜丹鬓绿

yán dān bìn lǜ

Describes a youthful appearance with rosy cheeks and dark, lustrous hair at the temples. It vividly …

羊羔美酒

yán gāo měi jiǔ

A type of rich, mellow liquor brewed with lamb as an ingredient, hence the name. By extension, it re…

言高语低

yán gāo yǔ dī

To speak without proper restraint, saying things that are inappropriate or out of proportion. It des…

言简意少

yán jiǎn yì shǎo

Language is brief but the content is meager and lacks substance. Unlike idioms that praise efficient…

研机综微

yán jī zōng wēi

To thoroughly investigate and synthesize the most profound and subtle principles of things. It descr…

研精竭虑

yán jīng jié lǜ

To study something with concentrated effort and deliberate with all one's mental energy. It describe…

研精究微

yán jīng jiū wēi

To study and investigate the profound and subtle aspects of principles and phenomena. It describes a…

研精苦思

yán jīng kǔ sī

To carefully research and deeply ponder a subject. It describes someone who devotes great effort and…

研精覃思

yán jīng tán sī

To carefully research a subject and think about it deeply and thoroughly. It describes someone devot…

延颈跂踵

yán jǐng qǐ zhǒng

Describes an attitude of intense longing, admiration, or eager anticipation. The image is of a perso…

言论风生

yán lùn fēng shēng

This idiom describes a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere during conversation or discussion, where p…

沿门讬钵

yán mén tuō bō

Literally means going from door to door with an alms bowl begging for food or donations. It is used …

沿门托钵

yán mén tuō bō

Originally referred to Buddhist monks going from house to house with their alms bowls to beg for foo…

岩栖谷饮

yán qī gǔ yǐn

This idiom describes living as a recluse or hermit in mountain caves and valleys, withdrawn from wor…

严霜烈日

yán shuāng liè rì

A metaphor for severe trials endured in harsh conditions, or the firm and upright integrity one main…

言提其耳

yán tí qí ěr

Literally 'to pull someone by the ear,' this idiom describes earnest and urgent instruction. The cha…

言外之味

yán wài zhī wèi

Refers to the subtle, profound meaning that is implied but not explicitly stated in one's words. It …

言文行远

yán wén xíng yuǎn

Words and writing that possess literary refinement and elegance can spread far and wide, enduring th…

言笑不苟

yán xiào bù gǒu

To be restrained and serious in one's speech and laughter, never casual or frivolous. It describes a…

言行计从

yán xíng jì cóng

Whatever one says and whatever plans one proposes are adopted and acted upon. It describes someone w…

言行相悖

yán xíng xiāng bèi

Speaking and acting in contradictory ways. It describes someone whose words do not match their deeds…

言行相符

yán xíng xiāng fú

This idiom means that what one says aligns with what one does. It describes a person whose speech an…

言行相顾

yán xíng xiāng gù

This idiom means that one's words and actions are consistent with each other, without contradiction.…

言行一致

yán xíng yī zhì

Speech and action are in complete agreement. It describes a person whose deeds match their words, de…

言之有物

yán zhī yǒu wù

Describes speech or writing that has concrete substance and real content rather than being empty or …

言之有序

yán zhī yǒu xù

Speech and writing are clear, logical, and well-organized. It describes someone who expresses ideas …

言而无信

yán ér wú xìn

To speak but fail to keep one's word; to be untrustworthy or insincere in what one says. It describe…

羊肠小道

yáng cháng xiǎo dào

A winding, extremely narrow path, often referring to mountain trails. The name comes from the resemb…

杨花心性

yáng huā xīn xìng

Literally 'the disposition of drifting willow catkins,' this idiom describes someone whose affection…

扬眉瞬目

yáng méi shùn mù

Literally meaning 'to raise the eyebrows and blink the eyes.' It can describe a fierce, glaring expr…

扬清厉俗

yáng qīng lì sú

To promote upright and clean conduct while inspiring the moral standards of society. It describes th…

佯输诈败

yáng shū zhà bài

To feign defeat in battle in order to lure the enemy into a trap or ambush. The tactic relies on mak…

洋洋大观

yáng yáng dà guān

A magnificent and spectacular sight. It describes a rich, diverse, and abundant display of fine thin…

洋洋洒洒

yáng yáng sǎ sǎ

Describes writing or speech that is copious, flowing, and expansive. It conveys a sense of abundance…

洋洋纚纚

yáng yáng sǎ sǎ

Describes language or writing that is grand, beautiful, and well-organized. It originally conveys th…

洋洋盈耳

yáng yáng yíng ěr

This idiom describes loud, resonant, and beautiful sounds that fill one's ears. It is commonly used …

洋洋自得

yáng yáng zì dé

To be smugly self-satisfied and visibly pleased with oneself. It describes someone who shows off an …

姚黄魏品

yáo huáng wèi pǐn

Originally referring to two prized peony varieties cultivated in Song Dynasty Luoyang—the Yao family…

瑶池女使

yáo shi nǚ shǐ

Refers to a messenger or envoy. The idiom originates from the legend of the Queen Mother of the West…

遥遥华胄

yáo yáo huá zhòu

This idiom refers to distant descendants of a famous or noble person. It is commonly used to mock so…

摇摇欲坠

yáo yáo yù zhuì

Literally shaking and about to fall. It describes something that is extremely unstable or perilous, …

叶公好龙

yè gōng hào lóng

To claim to like something but actually fear it when confronted with the real thing. Pretended affec…

邺架之藏

yè jià zhī cáng

A polite and elegant compliment referring to someone's book collection. It likens the recipient's li…

夜郎自大

yè láng zì dà

A metaphor for someone who is ignorant yet arrogantly conceited, believing themselves superior despi…

爷羹娘饭

yé gēng niáng fàn

To live under the shelter and support of one's parents, enjoying their provision without having to e…

义不生财

yì bù shēng cái

This proverb means that one who upholds righteousness and justice does not casually accumulate wealt…

亦步亦趋

yì bù yì qū

Originally meant 'you walk slowly, I walk slowly; you walk fast, I walk fast.' It now describes some…

异宝奇珍

yì bǎo qí zhēn

Rare and extraordinary precious treasures. Refers to valuables that are unusual and hard to come by.…

意得志满

yì dé zhì mǎn

This idiom describes a state where one's desires and ambitions are fully realized, leaving one smugl…

意广才疏

yì guǎng cái shū

This idiom describes someone whose ambitions are grand and far-reaching, yet whose actual abilities …

异乎寻常

yì hū xún cháng

Completely different from what is ordinary or usual. It describes a situation, behavior, or feeling …

衣锦食肉

yì jǐn shí ròu

To wear fine silk clothing and eat meat. It describes a life of wealth and abundance. It can also re…

异木奇花

yì mù qí huā

Rare and precious flowers and trees. The idiom is used to describe exotic, valuable, or beautiful fl…

意马心猿

yì mǎ xīn yuán

Describes a restless and uncontrolled mind, likened to a galloping horse and a leaping monkey. It re…

意气自如

yì qì zì rú

To remain calm and composed, maintaining a natural and unflustered demeanor regardless of circumstan…

逸趣横生

yì qù héng shēng

Describes a refined and unconventional charm or delight that overflows abundantly. It is often used …

弋人何篡

yì rén hé cuàn

The fowler cannot seize the wild goose that flies far into the deep sky. It metaphorically describes…

意惹情牵

yì rě qíng qiān

This idiom describes being emotionally entangled and unable to let go of someone or something. It co…

羿射九日

yì shè jiǔ rì

Describes a heroic and courageous act of eliminating a great scourge for the benefit of the people. …

义无旋踵

yì wú xuán zhǒng

Literally meaning 'morally there is no turning back,' this idiom describes a situation where one is …

衣绣昼行

yì xiù zhòu xíng

Literally 'wearing embroidered clothes and walking in daylight.' It is a metaphor for serving as an …

意想不到

yì xiǎng bù dào

To be unexpected or beyond imagination; something that one did not anticipate. It describes a situat…

亿辛万苦

yì xīn wàn kǔ

This idiom describes extreme toil, suffering, and hardship. The exaggerated numbers 'hundred million…

抑郁寡欢

yì yù guǎ huān

Feeling persistently depressed and seldom cheerful; having a gloomy state of mind that leaves little…

易于反手

yì yú fǎn shǒu

Describes a task that is extremely easy to accomplish, as effortless as flipping one's hand over. It…

易于拾遗

yì yú shí yí

As easy as picking up dropped items from the ground. A metaphor for a task being extremely easy to a…

意转心回

yì zhuǎn xīn huí

To change one's mind and no longer insist on a previous opinion. It describes a person whose heart a…

易子析骸

yì zǐ xī hái

Refers to exchanging one's children to eat and splitting bones of the dead to use as fuel for cookin…

应答如流

yìng dá rú liú

Answering questions as fluently and smoothly as flowing water. It describes someone who responds qui…

应机立断

yìng jī lì duàn

To seize the moment and make a swift, decisive judgment. It describes someone who acts without hesit…

应天从人

yìng tiān cóng rén

To comply with the mandate of heaven above and follow the will of the people below. It describes a r…

遗编绝简

yí biān jué jiǎn

Refers to ancient texts and classics that have been scattered, lost, or survive only in fragmentary …

遗臭千秋

yí chòu qiān qiū

To leave behind an infamous reputation that endures for thousands of years. It describes someone who…

移宫换羽

yí dōng huàn yǔ

Originally a musical term referring to changing the key or mode of a piece of music. By extension, i…

移东就西

yí dōng jiù xī

Literally meaning 'move from the east to accommodate the west,' this idiom describes shifting things…

彝鼎圭璋

yí dǐng guī zhāng

A metaphor for someone of elegant, refined, and outstanding character. The four objects named—ancien…

遗芬余荣

yí fēn yú róng

This idiom metaphorically refers to the great virtue, good reputation, and meritorious achievements …

遗风余教

yí fēng yú jiào

The cultural customs and moral teachings handed down from previous generations. It refers to the end…

遗风余象

yí fēng yú xiàng

Refers to the customs and exemplary forms or manners left behind by earlier generations. It describe…

遗风余习

yí fēng yú xí

Lingering customs and practices handed down from previous generations. It refers to traditional ways…

遗风余韵

yí fēng yú yùn

The enduring influence and cultural legacy left by people of the past. It refers to the customs, tea…

移根接叶

yí gēn jiē yè

A metaphor for acting as an intermediary or matchmaker who brings people together. The imagery comes…

遗华反质

yí huá fǎn zhì

To abandon superficial ornamentation and return to plain, unadorned substance. It advocates strippin…

遗祸无穷

yí huò wú qióng

To leave behind a calamity that has no end. It describes an action or decision whose harmful consequ…

遗老遗少

yí lǎo yí shào

Refers to elderly former officials and young people who remain loyal to a fallen dynasty after a reg…

遗名去利

yí míng qù lì

To abandon fame and discard profit. It describes a person who voluntarily relinquishes worldly reput…

怡情悦性

yí qíng yuè xìng

To cheer the heart and soothe the disposition. It describes something — such as music, scenery, art,…

怡情养性

yí qíng yǎng xìng

To cultivate and nurture one's temperament and emotional well-being through refined pursuits. It ref…

遗寝载怀

yí qǐn zài huái

This idiom describes being so preoccupied with worry or concern that one cannot sleep peacefully. It…

沂水舞雩

yí shuǐ wǔ yú

This idiom refers to understanding the times and adapting to circumstances, living a carefree and le…

疑神疑鬼

yí shén yí guǐ

To be excessively suspicious, doubting everything and everyone around oneself. The phrase evokes som…

遗世独立

yí shì dú lì

To abandon worldly affairs and live independently, detached from society and its concerns. It descri…

移山倒海

yí shān dǎo hǎi

To accomplish the seemingly impossible through sheer will and effort. Transforming nature itself.

移山跨海

yí shān kuà hǎi

To move mountains and cross vast seas. It is a metaphor for possessing immense, almost superhuman po…

移山造海

yí shān zào hǎi

To move mountains and create seas. A metaphor for humanity's great power and ambition to conquer nat…

移天易日

yí tiān yì rì

To move heaven and change the sun. It is a metaphor for a power-hungry person usurping political aut…

仪态万千

yí tài wàn qiān

This idiom describes someone whose appearance and bearing are beautiful in every conceivable way. It…

遗物识心

yí wù shí xīn

To set aside all external forms and worldly concerns so that two hearts attain mutual understanding.…

贻笑大方

yí xiào dà fāng

To make a fool of oneself before an expert or a knowledgeable audience. It conveys humility or self-…

遗形藏志

yí xíng cáng zhì

To transcend the physical body and set aside worldly ambitions, entering a state of selflessness. It…

疑行无成

yí xíng wú chéng

Hesitant action yields no success. When one is full of doubt and indecision while taking action, ach…

遗簪坠珥

yí zān zhuì ěr

Describes the scene of dropped hairpins and earrings scattered along the roadside, originally depict…

遗恩余烈

yí ēn yú liè

The virtue, grace, and meritorious achievements left behind by predecessors or ancestors. It refers …

银花火树

yín huā huǒ shù

A metaphor for brilliant fireworks or dazzling lights. It depicts a spectacular scene of illuminatio…

银河倒泻

yín hé dào xiè

Like the waters of the Milky Way pouring down from the heavens. Describes rain falling in torrents, …

银山铁壁

yín shān tiě bì

A metaphor for something extremely solid and indestructible. It draws on the imagery of silver mount…

淫心匿行

yín xīn nì xíng

This idiom refers to harboring depraved or improper thoughts while hiding one's misconduct. It descr…

龈龈计较

yín yín jì jiào

To be excessively concerned with trivial or insignificant matters, nitpicking over every minor detai…

迎刃而解

yíng rèn ér jiě

To be solved with ease, as if a bamboo stalk naturally splits apart when the blade finds its edge. I…

迎神赛会

yíng shén sài huì

An old folk custom in which deity statues are carried out of temples in a procession, accompanied by…

营私罔利

yíng sī wǎng lì

To pursue personal interests and seek selfish profit at the expense of public duty. It describes tho…

迎新送旧

yíng xīn sòng jiù

Originally referred to farewell ceremonies for departing officials and welcoming ceremonies for newl…

营营苟苟

yíng yíng gǒu gǒu

This idiom describes a person who disregards all sense of shame and decency, relentlessly scheming a…

蝇营鼠窥

yíng yíng shǔ kuī

Like flies buzzing restlessly about and rats peering around in search of openings. A metaphor for so…

盈则必亏

yíng zé bì kuī

The idiom describes the principle that when something reaches its fullest state, decline becomes ine…

用非所学

yòng fēi suǒ xué

This idiom describes a situation where a person's actual work or occupation has nothing to do with w…

用夏变夷

yòng xià biàn yí

Xia refers to the feudal states of the Zhou dynasty in the central plains, while Yi refers to the tr…

用逸待劳

yòng yì dài láo

A military strategy of conserving one's own strength and resting while waiting for the enemy to beco…

诱敌深入

yòu dí shēn rù

To deliberately draw the enemy deep into one's own territory, placing them in an isolated and disadv…

右翦左屠

yòu jiǎn zuǒ tú

This idiom means to annihilate or exterminate completely. It evokes the imagery of attacking from al…

右军习气

yòu jūn xí qì

The idiom refers to the bad habit of mechanically imitating the ancients without developing a style …

诱秦诓楚

yòu qín kuāng chǔ

Originally referring to the Warring States strategist Zhang Yi's deceitful diplomacy that tricked th…

褎然举首

yòu rán jǔ shǒu

Standing out remarkably and being selected as the foremost. It describes someone whose talents and a…

幼学壮行

yòu xué zhuàng xíng

To study diligently in one's youth and put that learning into practice in adulthood. This idiom enca…

游蜂浪蝶

yóu fēng làng dié

A metaphor for a frivolous, flirtatious person who constantly seeks to entice and approach women. Th…

游光扬声

yóu guāng yáng shēng

To spread one's glory and broadcast one's reputation far and wide. It describes a person whose achie…

游回磨转

yóu huí mó zhuǎn

A vivid phrase meaning to spin round and round like a millstone, describing someone frantic and at a…

油煎火燎

yóu jiān huǒ liáo

Describes intense suffering, searing pain, or burning anxiety. The imagery evokes being fried in hot…

由近及远

yóu jìn jí yuǎn

From the near to the distant. The idiom describes a process that progresses gradually outward, used …

由来已久

yóu lái yǐ jiǔ

Refers to something that has existed or been ongoing for a very long time. It emphasizes the long-st…

游目骋怀

yóu mù chěng huái

To let one's gaze wander far while opening one's heart and mind to broad thoughts. It describes the …

油然而生

yóu rán ér shēng

This idiom describes a thought or feeling that arises naturally and spontaneously, without deliberat…

油头滑脑

yóu tóu huá nǎo

Describes a person who is both frivolous and cunning, with a slick and shrewd demeanor. It portrays …

尤云殢雨

yóu yún zhì yǔ

A classical euphemism describing a couple deeply absorbed in sensual intimacy and romantic passion. …

欲罢不能

yù bà bù néng

Wanting to stop but being unable to do so. It describes a situation where one is caught up in someth…

鹬蚌相斗

yù bàng xiāng dòu

A metaphor for two parties locked in a standoff, each refusing to yield, while a third party reaps t…

玉成其事

yù chéng qí shì

A polite expression meaning to help someone accomplish or bring something to completion. The term '玉…

玉洁冰清

yù jié bīng qīng

As pure as jade and as clear as ice. It describes a person of noble character, pure heart, and uprig…

玉减香消

yù jiǎn xiāng xiāo

This idiom describes a beautiful woman becoming thin and haggard, losing her former grace and vitali…

玉律金科

yù lǜ jīn kē

Originally used to describe the perfection of laws and decrees. Now it refers to any inviolable prec…

遇人不淑

yù rén bù shū

Refers to a woman who marries a husband of poor character or moral quality. It describes the misfort…

玉食锦衣

yù shí jǐn yī

Refers to the finest, most exquisite food and beautiful embroidered clothing, symbolizing a life of …

玉石同碎

yù shí tóng suì

Like jade and stone being shattered together. It means the good and the bad perish together without …

欲速不达

yù sù bù dá

Wanting to accomplish something too quickly actually prevents reaching the goal. It warns that exces…

玉堂金马

yù táng jīn mǎ

Originally referring to the Jade Hall and Golden Horse Gate of the Han dynasty imperial palace, this…

玉箫金管

yù xiāo jīn guǎn

Literally referring to jade flutes and gold pipes, this idiom denotes ornately decorated wind instru…

欲扬先抑

yù yáng xiān yì

A rhetorical technique where one first downplays or suppresses something before elevating or praisin…

喻之以理

yù zhī yǐ lǐ

To persuade or enlighten someone by using reason and logical argument. It describes the method of gu…

玉走金飞

yù zǒu jīn fēi

The 'jade' refers to the Jade Rabbit, a symbol of the moon, and the 'gold' refers to the Golden Crow…

运筹画策

yùn chóu huà cè

To devise strategies and formulate plans, especially in military or political contexts. It describes…

运筹决胜

yùn chóu jué shèng

To devise strategies and tactics that secure decisive victory. It describes the art of planning and …

运筹帷帐

yùn chóu wéi zhàng

To formulate strategy and make decisive plans from behind the lines rather than on the battlefield. …

运斧般门

yùn fǔ bān mén

This idiom means to show off one's meager skill before a true expert. It is a variant of the more co…

运拙时乖

yùn zhuō shí guāi

Refers to having bad luck and being in adverse circumstances. It describes a situation where one's f…

鱼沉雁静

yú chén yàn jìng

A metaphor for letters not getting through and correspondence being completely cut off. It describes…

鱼沉雁落

yú chén yàn luò

Describes a woman of extraordinary beauty, so stunning that fish dive underwater and wild geese fall…

鱼沉雁渺

yú chén yàn miǎo

A metaphor for letters that cannot be delivered and news that is completely cut off. In Chinese trad…

鱼沉雁杳

yú chén yàn yǎo

An idiom metaphorically describing the complete loss of correspondence and news between separated pa…

盂方水方

yú fāng shuǐ fāng

Just as water takes the shape of the bowl that holds it, people mold their conduct to the example se…

鱼封雁帖

yú fēng yàn tiē

A general term for letters and correspondence. It draws on two classical Chinese metaphors—fish carr…

鱼贯而行

yú guàn ér xíng

To move forward in single file like fish swimming one after another. It describes people or objects …

余膏剩馥

yú gāo shèng fù

A metaphor for the literary heritage and cultural legacy left behind by earlier writers. It describe…

愚公移山

yú gōng yí shān

Perseverance and determination can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. Steady effort over gener…

鱼笺雁书

yú jiān yàn shū

A general term for letters and written correspondence. It combines two classical allusions: a letter…

鱼龙变化

yú lóng biàn huà

Refers to a fish transforming into a dragon. A metaphor for fundamental, profound changes in worldly…

鱼目混珍

yú mù hùn zhēn

A metaphor for passing off fakes as genuine. It describes situations where inferior or counterfeit t…

逾墙窥蠙

yú qiáng kuī pín

This idiom refers to clandestine or illicit love affairs between men and women. It is equivalent to …

予取予夺

yú qǔ yú duó

To take and seize things at will from someone, as if one has the right to arbitrarily plunder their …

鱼水和谐

yú shuǐ hé xié

This idiom describes a harmonious and affectionate relationship between husband and wife, likened to…

鱼水相投

yú shuǐ xiāng tóu

This idiom describes a married couple whose relationship is harmonious and affectionate, likened to …

鱼生空釜

yú shēng kōng fǔ

This idiom describes a state of extreme poverty where one has no grain to cook with, leaving the coo…

余桃啖君

yú táo dàn jūn

This idiom describes capricious love and hatred that shift with circumstances. It refers to someone …

鱼跃龙门

yú yuè lóng mén

A metaphor for achieving sudden success or a dramatic rise in status through passing a difficult tri…

鱼跃鸢飞

yú yuè yuān fēi

Fish leap in the deep and hawks soar in the sky — all creatures find their proper place. It describe…

鱼游釜底

yú yóu fǔ dǐ

A fish swimming at the bottom of a cooking pot. It is a metaphor for being in an extremely perilous …

余韵流风

yú yùn liú fēng

The enduring charm and refined demeanor that are passed down to later generations. It describes how …

鱼鱼雅雅

yú yú yǎ yǎ

Describes the dignified, orderly, and solemn appearance of a procession or cavalcade advancing. Orig…

余音绕梁

yú yīn rào liáng

Describes music or singing so beautiful that its sound seems to linger in the air long after it has …

予智予雄

yú zhì yú xióng

To consider oneself both supremely wise and heroic. It describes someone who is arrogant and overest…

云次鳞集

yún cì lín jí

This idiom describes people or things gathering together in great numbers, as densely and orderly as…

云鬟雾鬓

yún huán wù bìn

Describes a woman's hair as beautiful and flowing like drifting clouds and mist. The idiom evokes an…

云合景从

yún hé jǐng cóng

Like clouds assembling and shadows following. It is a metaphor for having a great number of follower…

云合响应

yún hé xiǎng yìng

This idiom describes a situation where people gather together and respond enthusiastically, like clo…

云谲波诡

yún jué bō guǐ

Describing something as changeable and unpredictable like the ever-shifting shapes of clouds and wav…

云锦天章

yún jǐn tiān zhāng

A metaphor for writing that is exceptionally elegant and magnificent. It compares beautiful prose to…

云开雾释

yún kāi wù shì

Literally describing weather clearing as clouds part and fog lifts. Metaphorically, it means that gr…

云开雾散

yún kāi wù sàn

Literally describes weather clearing as clouds part and fog lifts. Metaphorically, it means that gri…

云期雨信

yún qī yǔ xìn

Refers to a promised date between lovers for a romantic rendezvous. The 'clouds and rain' (云雨) is a …

云起龙骧

yún qǐ lóng xiāng

Like clouds surging upward and dragons soaring into the sky, this idiom describes heroes and outstan…

云散风流

yún sàn fēng liú

Like wind and clouds dispersing and drifting away. It is a metaphor for people, things, or once-flou…

云屯星聚

yún tún xīng jù

Describes a vast multitude of people gathering together in one place, like dense clouds and clustere…

云屯蚁聚

yún tún yǐ jù

This idiom describes a great multitude of people gathering together in one place. It evokes the imag…

云雾迷蒙

yún wù mí méng

This idiom describes a scene shrouded in clouds and mist, making objects dim and difficult to see cl…

云消雾散

yún xiāo wù sàn

Like clouds dissipating and fog lifting away. It is a metaphor for things vanishing completely and c…

云朝雨暮

yún zhāo yǔ mù

An elegant classical expression referring to the intimate unions between a man and a woman, especial…

云蒸霞蔚

yún zhēng xiá wèi

Literally meaning clouds rising and rosy mist gathering, this idiom describes a scene of magnificent…

云中白鹤

yún zhōng bái hè

Like a white crane soaring among the clouds. A metaphor for a person of noble character and lofty co…

鸦飞雀乱

yā fēi què luàn

Describes a scene of extreme confusion and disorder, like crows flying and sparrows scattering in al…

鸦雀无声

yā què wú shēng

Complete and utter silence, where not even the smallest noise can be heard. It describes a scene so …

烟霏雾集

yān fēi wù jí

Describes a great multitude of people or things densely gathered together, like smoke and fog collec…

淹会贯通

yān huì guàn tōng

A variant of 融会贯通, meaning to thoroughly integrate and synthesize knowledge from various fields into…

燕骏千金

yān jùn qiān jīn

A metaphor for eagerly seeking talented individuals by offering generous rewards and demonstrating s…

烟销灰灭

yān xiāo huī miè

A metaphor for things disappearing completely without a trace. It likens the total vanishing of weal…

淹淹一息

yān yān yī xī

Describes someone breathing faintly and weakly, on the very brink of death. It means clinging to lif…

鞅鞅不乐

yāng yāng bù lè

Feeling displeased and unhappy due to dissatisfaction with a situation. It describes a sullen, resen…

妖不胜德

yāo bù shèng dé

Evil omens cannot overcome virtue; wickedness will not prevail over righteousness. It conveys the be…

腰金拖紫

yāo jīn tuō zǐ

A metaphor for holding a high-ranking official position. 'Gold' refers to the gold seal (金印) and 'pu…

夭桃穠李

yāo táo nóng lǐ

A metaphor for youthful beauty, originally describing the vibrant blossoms of peach and plum trees. …

幺豚暮鹨

yāo tún mù liù

This idiom metaphorically refers to children born in one's later years. The imagery draws from the r…

野马无缰

yě mǎ wú jiāng

A wild horse without reins. It serves as a metaphor for acting freely and arbitrarily without any re…

冶容诲淫

yě róng huì yín

This idiom warns that a woman who dresses provocatively or adorns herself with excessive allure invi…

一鞭先著

yī biān xiān zhuó

Literally meaning 'to apply the whip first,' this idiom is used as a classical allusion for striving…

一步登天

yī bù dēng tiān

To attempt the impossible overnight. Expecting instant success without the necessary gradual process…

一斑半点

yī bān bàn diǎn

A metaphor for a tiny, incomplete fragment of a larger whole. It describes glimpsing only a minuscul…

一把死拿

yī bǎ sǐ ná

A metaphor for being rigidly stubborn and refusing to adapt to changing circumstances. It describes …

一笔勾断

yī bǐ gōu duàn

To cancel or wipe out something completely with a single stroke, as if drawing a line through an acc…

一笔勾销

yī bǐ gōu xiāo

To wipe out a debt or account with a single stroke of the brush. It is a metaphor for completely can…

一秉至公

yī bǐng zhì gōng

To handle all affairs with complete impartiality, upholding the highest standard of fairness. It des…

一床两好

yī chuáng liǎng hǎo

A metaphor for a husband and wife who are well-matched and deeply devoted to one another. It describ…

一差半错

yī chà bàn cuò

This idiom refers to an unexpected change of circumstances, a mishap, or a mistake. It is used to de…

一蹴而就

yī cù ér jiù

To succeed in a single step. It describes something achieved effortlessly and instantly, without req…

一寸丹心

yī cùn dān xīn

A heart of unwavering loyalty and devotion. It refers to a sincere, faithful heart that remains stea…

一跌不振

yī diē bù zhèn

To suffer a single setback and never recover. It describes a person who, after one failure or blow, …

一定之规

yī dìng zhī guī

A fixed rule or established pattern. It refers to a set principle or regular law that things follow.…

一刀两断

yī dāo liǎng duàn

To sever something in two with a single stroke of the blade. Metaphorically, it describes making a d…

一飞冲天

yī fēi chōng tiān

To soar into the sky in a single leap. It describes someone who shows no remarkable ability at first…

一分为二

yī fēn wéi èr

A philosophical expression meaning "one divides into two." It holds that everything is a unity of op…

一分一毫

yī fēn yī háo

This idiom describes an extremely small or minute quantity. Fen and hao are both tiny units of measu…

一夫之用

yī fū zhī yòng

Refers to a person who is capable of doing only the work of one ordinary individual, lacking any exc…

一反其道

yī fǎn qí dào

To act completely contrary to the established way or previous approach. It describes someone who del…

衣冠楚楚

yī guān chǔ chǔ

Describes a person who is dressed immaculately and elegantly, with every garment in perfect order. I…

一轨同风

yī guǐ tóng fēng

Literally meaning cart tracks are uniform and customs are identical. It is a metaphor for a unified …

一晦一明

yī huì yī míng

One moment dark, the next moment bright — describing the natural alternation of night and day. More …

一花独放

yī huā dú fàng

A single flower blooming alone, used metaphorically to describe a situation where only one form, sty…

一挥而成

yī huī ér chéng

To complete a piece of writing, calligraphy, or painting with a single stroke of the brush. It descr…

一毫不染

yī háo bù rǎn

Not tainted by even a single hair's breadth. It describes someone who is spotlessly clean and incorr…

一壶千金

yī hú qiān jīn

The '壶' (pot) here is a loan character for '瓠' (gourd), which is hollow and can float on water. The …

一呼百诺

yī hū bǎi nuò

When one person calls out, a hundred people respond. It describes someone who is wealthy and powerfu…

一呼再喏

yī hū zài nuò

To answer a single call with repeated, eager affirmations. It describes a person who is excessively …

一见如故

yī jiàn rú gù

To feel like old friends upon first meeting. It describes an instant rapport and deep connection bet…

一箭双雕

yī jiàn shuāng diāo

Originally describes shooting two eagles with a single arrow. It is used figuratively to mean accomp…

一箭之地

yī jiàn zhī dì

A distance equal to the range of a single arrow shot. It is used figuratively to describe a place th…

一介之士

yī jiè zhī shì

A humble scholar of low rank. The idiom refers to a person who, despite their modest station, is loy…

一家无二

yī jiā wú èr

The idiom means that all members of a household are treated exactly the same, with no favoritism or …

一家之学

yī jiā zhī xué

A school of thought or doctrine that constitutes its own distinct tradition. It refers to scholarshi…

一饥两饱

yī jī liǎng bǎo

Describes a life of poverty where one cannot get enough to eat on a daily basis. The phrase literall…

一举成名

yī jǔ chéng míng

To achieve fame and recognition through a single successful action or accomplishment. It describes s…

一举两得

yī jǔ liǎng dé

To achieve two goals with a single action. It describes a situation where one effort produces two be…

一举一动

yī jǔ yī dòng

Refers to every single action or movement a person makes. It emphasizes the totality of someone's be…

一壸千金

yī kuì qiān jīn

Something of lowly value becomes extremely precious when it is needed at a critical moment. The idio…

一篑之功

yī kuì zhī gōng

The effort of one basket of earth—the final contribution needed to complete a task. It metaphoricall…

衣宽带松

yī kuān dài sōng

This idiom describes a person who has become emaciated or thin. It refers to clothing and belts beco…

一匡九合

yī kuāng jiǔ hé

This idiom originates from the Spring and Autumn period statesman Guan Zhong, who assisted Duke Huan…

一口三舌

yī kǒu sān shé

A metaphor for being excessively talkative and verbose. It vividly depicts a person whose speech is …

一口同声

yī kǒu tóng shēng

To speak with one voice; everyone saying the same thing in unison. It describes a situation where al…

一乱涂地

yī luàn tú dì

Describes a situation that has descended into complete chaos with no way to restore order. The vivid…

一劳久逸

yī láo jiǔ yì

Put in hard work once and do it thoroughly, so that you can enjoy long-lasting ease without further …

一鳞半爪

yī lín bàn zhǎo

Originally describing a dragon hidden in clouds, revealing only one scale here and half a claw there…

一路福星

yī lù fú xīng

Originally referred to a virtuous official who brought blessings to the people under his jurisdictio…

一路顺风

yī lù shùn fēng

This idiom literally means 'smooth wind all the way' and is used to wish someone a safe and pleasant…

一面之词

yī miàn zhī cí

The statement or account of only one party in a dispute. It implies that hearing just one side of a …

一面之雅

yī miàn zhī yǎ

This idiom refers to an acquaintance formed from just a single meeting, implying a very shallow rela…

一脉相传

yī mài xiāng chuán

This idiom describes something passed down through generations from the same bloodline, school, or t…

一命鸣呼

yī mìng míng hū

A humorous or facetious way of saying someone has died. It carries a tone of dark humor and lighthea…

一命呜呼

yī mìng wū hū

A colloquial expression meaning to die or breathe one's last. The term 呜呼 (wū hū) was originally an …

一命之荣

yī mìng zhī róng

Refers to the honor and prestige of receiving an official appointment, even a minor one. In imperial…

一瞑不视

yī míng bù shì

To close one's eyes and never open them again. It primarily refers to death. It can also describe es…

一鸣惊人

yī míng jīng rén

To amaze everyone with a single brilliant act. Achieving sudden fame or success after a period of ob…

一模一样

yī mó yī yàng

Used to describe two or more things that are exactly identical in appearance, shape, or characterist…

一目了然

yī mù liǎo rán

Things become completely clear at a single glance. It describes a situation where the facts or overa…

一目十行

yī mù shí háng

Reading ten lines of text at a single glance. It describes someone who reads extremely quickly, taki…

一目数行

yī mù shù háng

A variant of '一目十行' (reading ten lines at a glance). It describes reading extremely quickly, scannin…

一马当先

yī mǎ dāng xiān

Originally referring to charging ahead on horseback at the front of a battle formation. It describes…

一马一鞍

yī mǎ yī ān

This idiom metaphorically refers to a monogamous marriage, with one husband and one wife growing old…

一诺千金

yī nuò qiān jīn

A single promise is as valuable as a thousand pieces of gold. It describes a person who keeps their …

一诺无辞

yī nuò wú cí

To agree to something immediately and without any hesitation or second thoughts. It describes a pers…

一男半女

yī nán bàn nǚ

Literally 'one son or half a daughter,' this idiom refers to having at least one child, whether a so…

一片冰心

yī piàn bīng xīn

A heart as pure and clear as ice, untainted by worldly desires. It describes a person of noble moral…

一片焦土

yī piàn jiāo tǔ

Describes a scene of total devastation where buildings and land have been completely burned to ruins…

一片汪洋

yī piàn wāng yáng

This idiom describes a vast expanse of water stretching far and wide, with overwhelming and boundles…

一贫如洗

yī pín rú xǐ

To be utterly destitute, as if everything has been washed away. It describes extreme poverty where o…

一气浑成

yī qì hún chéng

Describes writing or poetry that flows seamlessly from beginning to end, complete and natural, with …

一齐众楚

yī qí zhòng chǔ

A metaphor for how a single positive influence is overwhelmed by numerous negative ones, making achi…

一琴一鹤

yī qín yī hè

Originally described Zhao Bian of the Song Dynasty traveling to take up his post in Sichuan with onl…

依人篱下

yī rén lí xià

Literally meaning to live under someone else's fence, this idiom figuratively describes depending on…

一日千里

yī rì qiān lǐ

Literally describing a swift horse covering a thousand li in a single day, this idiom now metaphoric…

一日三秋

yī rì sān qiū

Literally meaning one day feels like three autumns (seasons). It describes the intense longing and y…

一世龙门

yī shì lóng mén

Refers to a person so prestigious and revered that visiting them is likened to ascending the Dragon …

一视同仁

yī shì tóng rén

To treat everyone with equal kindness and fairness, without discrimination or favoritism. It describ…

一时半霎

yī shí bàn shà

This idiom refers to a very brief period of time, a fleeting moment. It conveys that something happe…

一时伯仲

yī shí bó zhòng

Describes two people whose talents or abilities are so closely matched that it is difficult to tell …

依山傍水

yī shān bàng shuǐ

Describes a location that is situated beside mountains and close to rivers or lakes. It often convey…

衣衫褴褛

yī shān lán lǚ

Describes clothes that are tattered and worn out. It is used to depict someone in a state of extreme…

一身是胆

yī shēn shì dǎn

Describes a person who is utterly fearless and brimming with courage, as if their entire body were m…

一手包办

yī shǒu bāo bàn

To handle or manage a task entirely by oneself, taking charge of everything without allowing others …

一丝半粟

yī sī bàn sù

A metaphor for something extremely tiny or insignificant. It emphasizes the utter minuteness of an o…

一丝不挂

yī sī bù guà

Literally 'not a single thread on one's body,' this idiom is most commonly used to describe someone …

一丝不苟

yī sī bù gǒu

Describes someone who is extremely meticulous and thorough in everything they do, not neglecting eve…

一潭死水

yī tán sǐ shuǐ

Literally 'a pool of stagnant water.' It is a metaphor for a stagnant, lifeless situation where ther…

一塌胡涂

yī tā hú tú

This idiom describes a situation or state that has become completely chaotic or ruined beyond repair…

一塌糊涂

yī tā hú tú

This idiom describes a situation that has become completely chaotic, messy, or ruined beyond repair.…

一望无边

yī wàng wú biān

As far as the eye can see, with no boundary in sight. It describes a vast, expansive area such as a …

一卧不起

yī wò bù qǐ

This idiom describes someone who falls ill and never recovers, remaining bedridden until death. It c…

一五一十

yī wú yī shí

Originally referring to counting items methodically by fives and tens. Metaphorically, it means to n…

一网打尽

yī wǎng dǎ jìn

To catch or wipe out everyone or everything in a single sweep, leaving nothing behind. The metaphor …

一往无前

yī wǎng wú qián

To press forward with indomitable will, advancing without anything that can stop or deter one. It de…

一现昙华

yī xiàn tán huā

Like the night-blooming cereus that blooms briefly and vanishes, this idiom describes things or peop…

一笑了事

yī xiào le shì

To laugh something off and let it go, indicating that one does not take the matter seriously. It des…

一笑了之

yī xiào liǎo zhī

To laugh something off and let it go, dismissing it with a smile rather than taking it seriously. It…

一笑千金

yī xiào qiān jīn

A beautiful woman's smile is worth a thousand pieces of gold. This idiom describes how precious and …

衣绣夜游

yī xiù yè yóu

A metaphor for holding an official position or possessing splendor that cannot be seen or appreciate…

一些半些

yī xiē bàn xiē

Describes an extremely small or meager amount. Used to emphasize that a quantity is negligible or in…

一心同体

yī xīn tóng tǐ

To share one heart and one body; to be of one mind and one purpose. It describes people who are unit…

一心一德

yī xīn yī dé

To be of one heart and one virtue, meaning all people share the same mind and work together toward a…

一心一意

yī xīn yī yì

To be wholeheartedly devoted to something with undivided attention and complete sincerity. It descri…

一言半辞

yī yán bàn cí

Refers to very few words, merely a sentence or two. Equivalent to the idiom 一言半语. Often used to desc…

一言不发

yī yán bù fā

Not saying a single word; completely silent. It describes someone who remains mute in a situation wh…

一言两语

yī yán liǎng yǔ

A very small number of words; just a few sentences. It describes expressing or explaining something …

一言为定

yī yán wéi dìng

A single word seals the deal, never to be altered. It describes a firm promise made with absolute co…

一叶迷山

yī yè mí shān

A single leaf can block one's view of an entire mountain. The idiom describes someone who is so fixa…

一意孤行

yī yì gū xíng

To stubbornly insist on doing things one's own way, disregarding the advice or objections of others.…

一应俱全

yī yīng jù quán

Everything needed is fully present and accounted for, with nothing missing. It describes a situation…

一语道破

yī yǔ dào pò

To hit the nail on the head with a single sentence. To reveal the truth in one incisive remark.

一语破的

yī yǔ pò dì

It means to strike the very heart of a matter with a single sentence, expressing the crux of an issu…

一语双关

yī yǔ shuāng guān

A single statement that carries two meanings at once. It is commonly used to convey an implicit or h…

一语中的

yī yǔ zhōng dì

To hit the mark with a single remark; to get straight to the heart of the matter with one sentence. …

一至于斯

yī zhì yú sī

To have reached such an extent or pass; to go so far as this. It expresses surprise or lamentation t…

一针见血

yī zhēn jiàn xiě

This idiom describes speech or writing that is direct, incisive, and strikes straight at the heart o…

一枕槐安

yī zhěn huái ān

Refers to a dream or illusory experience. It metaphorically describes a fleeting happiness that turn…

一座皆惊

yī zuò jiē jīng

Everyone present in the gathering is astonished. It describes a situation where someone's words or a…

一字千钧

yī zì qiān jūn

A single character carries the weight of a thousand jun (an ancient unit equal to thirty catties). I…

一字一珠

yī zì yī zhū

Each word is like a single pearl. The idiom describes a voice so melodious that every syllable sound…

衣紫腰金

yī zǐ yāo jīn

To be dressed in purple robes and carry a gold seal at one's waist — the attire of a high-ranking of…

阴差阳错

yīn chā yáng cuò

This idiom describes a situation where errors occur due to a combination of coincidental or accident…

因材施教

yīn cái shī jiào

To teach students according to their individual aptitudes, abilities, and interests. It emphasizes t…

因地制宜

yīn dì zhì yí

To adopt measures suited to local conditions. It means that policies, methods, or strategies should …

因公假私

yīn gōng jiǎ sī

To exploit public office or official duties for personal gain. It describes someone who hides self-s…

殷民阜财

yīn mín fù cái

To enrich the people and multiply the wealth of the state. It describes a ruler's fundamental duty t…

音容如在

yīn róng rú zài

One's voice and face seem to still be present before one's eyes. The idiom describes the deep longin…

音容笑貌

yīn róng xiào mào

This idiom refers to a person's voice, facial features, and cheerful expression, especially when rec…

因势利导

yīn shì lì dǎo

To follow the natural trend of developments and guide it advantageously toward a desired outcome. Th…

阴山背后

yīn shān bèi hòu

In folk superstition, it refers to the desolate region of the underworld where wandering ghosts who …

音信杳无

yīn xìn yǎo wú

Completely without any news or message from someone. It describes a situation where one has heard no…

因循守旧

yīn xún shǒu jiù

To cling to old ways and follow established conventions without change. It describes a conservative …

因循坐误

yīn xún zuò wù

To procrastinate and stubbornly cling to old routines, thereby missing opportunities and delaying ma…

因噎废食

yīn yē fèi shí

Originally, the saying describes someone who, because a person choked to death while eating, wanted …

莺俦燕侣

yīng chóu yàn lǚ

The oriole and swallow are metaphors for women, while chou and lv both mean companion or mate. The i…

莺闺燕阁

yīng guī yàn gé

This idiom refers to women's chambers or boudoirs. It employs the imagery of orioles and swallows—bi…

莺歌燕语

yīng gē yàn yǔ

Orioles sing and swallows chatter. It describes the beautiful and vibrant scene of spring, filled wi…

鹰视狼步

yīng shì láng bù

Looking at things like an eagle and walking like a wolf. It describes a person who is sinister, cunn…

鹰视狼顾

yīng shì láng gù

Describes someone with piercing, predatory eyes and a ruthless, cunning demeanor. The phrase evokes …

英声茂实

yīng shēng mào shí

Refers to an illustrious reputation and abundant, substantial achievements. It describes someone who…

莺声燕语

yīng shēng yàn yǔ

The song of orioles and the chatter of swallows. Originally used to describe the beautiful sounds of…

莺啼燕语

yīng tí yàn yǔ

The cries of orioles and the chatter of swallows. It vividly describes the beautiful scenery of spri…

鹰心雁爪

yīng xīn yàn zhǎo

This idiom compares a person's quickness to an eagle's keen heart and a wild goose's sharp claws. It…

应有尽有

yīng yǒu jìn yǒu

Everything that should be present is present. It describes a situation where a place or collection i…

英姿飒爽

yīng zī sà shuǎng

Describes someone with a heroic, vigorous, and spirited bearing. Often used of soldiers, athletes, o…

一朝千里

yī　zhāo　qiān　lǐ

Like covering a thousand miles in a single day. It originally described a horse galloping extremely …

雍门刎首

yōng mén wěn shǒu

This idiom alludes to the act of a loyal minister who slit his own throat in devotion to his soverei…

雍容闲雅

yōng róng xián yǎ

This idiom describes a person whose bearing is unhurried and composed, with elegant and dignified ma…

拥书百城

yōng shū bǎi chéng

A metaphor for possessing an extraordinarily rich collection of books, or for being deeply devoted t…

饔飧不饱

yōng sūn bù bǎo

Literally means being unable to eat one's fill at breakfast or dinner. It describes a life of extrem…

庸庸碌碌

yōng yōng lù lù

Describes someone who is utterly ordinary and unremarkable, lacking in talent, ambition, or achievem…

庸中皦皦

yōng zhōng bì tóng

The idiom means "the outstanding one among the mediocre" — a person whose talent and ability stand o…

忧国奉公

yōu guó fèng gōng

To hold the nation's welfare in one's heart and work diligently to fulfill one's official duties. It…

优柔餍饫

yōu róu yàn yù

This idiom describes a method of learning where one approaches study with unhurried ease, seeking un…

忧盛危明

yōu shèng wēi míng

This idiom means to remain vigilant and mentally prepared for potential dangers even during times of…

优游岁月

yōu yóu suì yuè

To live out one's days in a leisurely and carefree manner, free from worry or heavy responsibility. …

迂谈阔论

yū tán kuò lùn

This idiom describes talking in a grandiose, high-sounding manner that is roundabout and lacks pract…

纡朱曳紫

yū zhū yè zǐ

Describes someone holding high official rank and noble status. Red (朱) and purple (紫) refer to the c…

晕晕沉沉

yūn yūn chén chén

This idiom describes a state of dizziness and mental grogginess. It conveys the sensation of feeling…

哑口无声

yǎ kǒu wú shēng

To be rendered speechless and unable to produce a single sound. It describes someone who is left wit…

哑口无言

yǎ kǒu wú yán

Literally 'dumb mouth, no words' — to be rendered speechless like a mute person. It describes being …

偃兵修文

yǎn bīng xiū wén

To put an end to warfare and promote culture and education. It describes a ruler or government trans…

偃革倒戈

yǎn gé dǎo gē

To lay down arms and cease military preparations; to put an end to warfare. It describes a state or …

眼花耳热

yǎn huā ěr rè

Describes the physical sensation of being slightly intoxicated, when one's vision blurs and ears fee…

掩口而笑

yǎn kǒu ér xiào

To laugh while covering one's mouth, typically to suppress sound and avoid appearing impolite. It de…

偃鼠饮河

yǎn shǔ yǐn hé

A field mouse drinking from a river can only fill its belly. It is a metaphor for having very limite…

偃武崇文

yǎn wǔ chóng wén

To cease military activities and prioritize cultural and educational development. It describes a sta…

掩恶扬善

yǎn è yáng shàn

To hide others' faults and shortcomings while praising their virtues and good deeds. It reflects a g…

掩耳盗铃

yǎn ěr dào líng

To deceive oneself by ignoring obvious facts. It describes a person who tries to hide a problem from…

养家糊口

yǎng jiā hú kǒu

To support one's family and keep them from going hungry. It describes the struggle of earning enough…

仰屋窃叹

yǎng wū qiè tàn

Looking up at the roof and sighing privately. It describes a situation where one is in deep distress…

仰屋著书

yǎng wū zhù shū

To lie on one's back looking up at the ceiling while composing books. It describes someone wholly de…

养痈遗患

yǎng yōng yí huàn

To leave a malignant sore untreated is to invite future disaster. Metaphorically, it describes toler…

仰之弥高

yǎng zhī mí gāo

The more one looks up at it, the higher it appears. It expresses profound admiration and reverence f…

杳不可闻

yǎo bù kě wén

Describes a sound that has faded into the distance and can no longer be heard. It conveys the sense …

杳如黄鹤

yǎo rú huáng hè

Originally referring to the legend of an immortal riding a yellow crane away and never returning. It…

杳无消息

yǎo wú xiāo xī

To have no news or information at all; to vanish without a trace leaving no word behind. It describe…

杳无踪迹

yǎo wú zōng jī

Completely without any trace or sign. It describes someone or something that has disappeared entirel…

以辞取人

yǐ cí qǔ rén

To judge a person's intelligence or capability based solely on their eloquence and speaking ability.…

以磛投卵

yǐ duàn tóu luǎn

To smash an egg with a grindstone. This idiom describes an overwhelming force pitted against a fragi…

以德报德

yǐ dé bào yu

To repay kindness with kindness; to return favor with gratitude. It describes the moral principle of…

以德服人

yǐ dé fú rén

To win people's submission and loyalty through virtuous conduct and moral character, rather than thr…

以毒攻毒

yǐ dú gōng dú

A traditional Chinese medicine concept of using toxic substances to treat poisonous diseases. Metaph…

以防万一

yǐ fáng wàn yī

Used to describe taking precautions against unlikely but possible accidents or emergencies. The term…

蚁附蝇集

yǐ fù yíng jí

Describes a swarm of people flocking to curry favor with someone powerful or influential, like ants …

以观后效

yǐ guān hòu xiào

This idiom means to wait and see the future results or effects. It originally referred to the practi…

倚官挟势

yǐ guān xié shì

To rely on one's official position and authority to bully or oppress others. It describes someone wh…

以管窥天

yǐ guǎn kuī tiān

To look at the sky through a bamboo tube. It describes a person whose knowledge or perspective is ex…

以公灭私

yǐ gōng miè sī

To eliminate personal feelings and private interests by upholding the public good and impartial prin…

以古为镜

yǐ gǔ wéi jìng

To take history as a mirror, drawing lessons from the successes and failures of the past. It means u…

以古制今

yǐ gǔ zhì jīn

To handle current affairs according to ancient precedents and established rules. The phrase typicall…

以火救火

yǐ huǒ jiù huǒ

Literally 'using fire to rescue from a fire.' It is a metaphor for adopting the wrong approach to so…

蚁聚蜂屯

yǐ jù fēng tún

Like ants and bees swarming together in dense clusters. The idiom describes a vast multitude of peop…

以卵投石

yǐ luǎn tóu shí

To throw an egg against a rock. This idiom describes someone who grossly overestimates their own str…

以老卖老

yǐ lǎo mài lǎo

To flaunt one's seniority or advanced age to assert superiority over others. It describes someone wh…

以狸饵鼠

yǐ lǐ ěr shǔ

Using a cat as bait to catch mice — an absurd approach because the cat would eat the mice rather tha…

倚门卖笑

yǐ mén mài xiào

An old expression describing the life of prostitutes who would stand at doorways enticing passersby …

倚门倚闾

yǐ mén yǐ lǚ

Describes the anxious, eager longing of parents awaiting their children's return home. It vividly de…

以弱制强

yǐ ruò zhì qiáng

To use weak or inferior forces to subdue a stronger opponent. It describes a strategy where the weak…

以日继夜

yǐ rì jì yè

Day followed by night, working continuously without rest. It describes someone who labors tirelessly…

以肉去蚁

yǐ ròu qù yǐ

Using meat to drive away ants only attracts more ants. It describes a self-contradictory approach wh…

以肉驱蝇

yǐ ròu qū yíng

A metaphor for actions that contradict one's purpose, achieving the opposite of the intended result.…

以水投水

yǐ shuǐ tóu shuǐ

To pour the water of one river into another. A metaphor for things that are so alike they become nea…

以石投卵

yǐ shí tóu luǎn

To throw a stone at an egg. It describes an overwhelmingly superior force attacking a weaker opponen…

以杀止杀

yǐ shā zhǐ shā

This idiom means to use killing (or severe punishment) to put an end to killing (or crime). It descr…

以身试险

yǐ shēn shì xiǎn

To knowingly put oneself in harm's way or personally test a dangerous situation despite being fully …

以身许国

yǐ shēng xǔ guó

To dedicate one's life to the service of one's country. It describes a person who is willing to sacr…

以书为御

yǐ shū wéi yù

To drive a horse carriage solely according to what one learned from books. It is a metaphor for rigi…

以索续组

yǐ suǒ xù zǔ

Using a coarse rope to connect a fine silk ribbon. It serves as a metaphor for a successor whose tal…

以莛叩钟

yǐ tíng kòu zhōng

A grass stem cannot make a large bell ring properly; by extension, the idiom describes a person of s…

以汤沃雪

yǐ tāng wò xuě

To pour boiling water on snow. It metaphorically describes something that produces an immediate and …

以汤止沸

yǐ tāng zhǐ fèi

Literally using boiling water to stop water from boiling. It is a metaphor for tackling a problem wi…

以为后图

yǐ wéi hòu tú

To make provisions for the future; to plan ahead with long-term considerations in mind. It describes…

以文乱法

yǐ wén luàn fǎ

To cite Confucian classics or literary texts in order to criticize and undermine state laws and decr…

以往鉴来

yǐ wǎng jiàn lái

Use past experiences and lessons as a mirror to guide future actions. It encourages reflecting on hi…

以心传心

yǐ xīn chuán xīn

A term from Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism referring to the transmission of the dharma directly from on…

以言取人

yǐ yán qǔ rén

To judge a person by their speech or eloquence. It warns against evaluating someone solely based on …

以逸待劳

yǐ yì dài láo

To wait at ease for an exhausted enemy. It refers to a military strategy of making full preparations…

以一知万

yǐ yī zhī wàn

From knowing one thing, one can deduce knowledge of ten thousand things. It describes the ability to…

以耳代目

yǐ ěr dài mù

To substitute ears for eyes, meaning to rely on hearsay instead of personally investigating or obser…

饮冰食蘖

yǐn bīng shí bò

Describes living a life of austere hardship while preserving one's moral purity and integrity. It co…

饮醇自醉

yǐn chún zì zuì

To be so deeply moved by someone's magnanimity and virtue that one feels intoxicated without realizi…

引风吹火

yǐn fēng chuī huǒ

To use the wind to fan a fire, making it burn even stronger. Metaphorically, it describes someone wh…

引狗入寨

yǐn gǒu rù zhai

Literally meaning to lead a dog into one's stronghold. It is a variant of the more common idiom 引狼入室…

引古喻今

yǐn gǔ yù jīn

This idiom means to cite ancient historical events or classical texts to draw analogies with and ill…

引吭高歌

yǐn háng gāo gē

To open one's throat and sing loudly and heartily. It describes singing with full voice, passion, an…

隐迹埋名

yǐn jì mái míng

To conceal one's whereabouts and bury one's name so as to avoid being recognized or found. It descri…

引经据古

yǐn jīng jù gǔ

To quote from classical texts and historical records as authoritative support for one's argument. It…

引领而望

yǐn lǐng ér wàng

To stretch one's neck and gaze into the distance, expressing eager anticipation or earnest longing. …

饮泣吞声

yǐn qì tūn shēng

To swallow one's tears and stifle one's sobs. It describes enduring suffering or oppression in silen…

引人注目

yǐn rén zhù mù

To draw people's attention; to be eye-catching or conspicuous. It describes someone or something tha…

引水入墙

yǐn shuǐ rù qiáng

A metaphor for bringing disaster upon oneself through one's own foolish actions. Like directing wate…

饮水思源

yǐn shuǐ sī yuán

When drinking water, one thinks of its source. It is a metaphor for remembering where one's blessing…

引绳批根

yǐn shéng pī gēn

A metaphor for people joining forces to collectively exclude or ostracize dissenters and outsiders. …

饮食男女

yǐn shí nán nǚ

Refers to the basic desires and instincts of human nature, specifically the need for food and drink …

引伸触类

yǐn shēn chù lèi

To extend and apply the principle of one thing to similar or analogous things. It describes the meth…

引首以望

yǐn shǒu yǐ wàng

To crane one's neck and gaze into the distance. It describes a state of earnest, anxious anticipatio…

隐约其词

yǐn yuē qí cí

This idiom describes speaking in a vague, obscure, or evasive manner, where one deliberately keeps o…

引以为憾

yǐn yǐ wéi hàn

To regard something as a source of regret; to feel sorry or apologetic about an event or outcome. It…

引而不发

yǐn ér bù fā

Literally, to draw a bow without releasing the arrow. Figuratively, it describes someone skilled at …

郢人斫垩

yǐng rén zhuó è

A metaphor for mature, superb, and masterful craftsmanship or technique. It describes an expert so s…

郢书燕说

yǐng shū yān shuō

A metaphor for stretching an interpretation and distorting the original meaning of a text. It comes …

影影绰绰

yǐng yǐng chuò chuò

Dim, indistinct, or vaguely visible. Used to describe something that appears faintly and unclearly, …

影只形单

yǐng zhī xíng dān

Having only one's own shadow as a companion. It describes a state of being completely alone and lone…

咏嘲风月

yǒng cháo fēng yuè

Refers to literary writing that merely depicts natural scenery such as wind, clouds, moon, and dew, …

勇猛精进

yǒng měng jīng jìn

Originally a Buddhist term referring to diligent and dedicated spiritual cultivation. It now means t…

永世无穷

yǒng shì wú qióng

永世 means eternally or for all generations, while 无穷 means without end or inexhaustible. Together the…

永矢弗谖

yǒng shǐ fú xuān

This idiom expresses a solemn vow to remember something forever. It conveys an unshakable resolve ne…

咏月嘲花

yǒng yuè cháo huā

Refers to the act of composing poetry, particularly lyrical verse inspired by nature's beauty. The m…

有备无患

yǒu bèi wú huàn

Being well-prepared in advance prevents danger or trouble. It emphasizes that taking precautions bef…

有本有源

yǒu běn yǒu yuán

To have both roots and a source; to be well-founded and traceable to its origins. It describes somet…

有本有原

yǒu běn yǒu yuán

It means that something has a definite origin or root cause and can be traced back to its source. Th…

有才无命

yǒu cái wú mìng

Having talent but suffering from bad fortune. It describes a capable person who cannot achieve succe…

有财有势

yǒu cái yǒu shì

To possess both wealth and influence. It describes a person or family that is rich and powerful, oft…

有根有底

yǒu gēn yǒu dǐ

Well-founded and substantiated; having solid evidence or a reliable basis for one's claims. The idio…

有根有苗

yǒu gēn yǒu miáo

Describes something that is well-founded, traceable, and has a clear basis or origin. It indicates t…

有进无退

yǒu jìn wú tuì

To only advance and never retreat. It describes a resolute attitude or military determination where …

有口皆碑

yǒu kǒu jiē bēi

Literally 'every mouth is a stele.' A stele (碑) is a monument inscribed to record merits or achievem…

有口难分

yǒu kǒu nán fēn

To have a mouth yet find it difficult to defend oneself. It describes a situation where someone is w…

有口难言

yǒu kǒu nán yán

To have a mouth but find it difficult to speak. It describes a situation where someone has something…

有来无回

yǒu lái wú huí

Anyone who comes will never get to go back. It means that the intruders are completely wiped out or …

有来有往

yǒu lái yǒu wǎng

Refers to reciprocal and equal action between two parties. The specific meaning varies by context—it…

有名亡实

yǒu míng wáng shí

This idiom describes something that exists in name only, lacking actual substance or reality. It ref…

有恃无恐

yǒu shì wú kǒng

Feeling completely secure and fearless because one has backing, support, or resources to fall back o…

有生力量

yǒu shēng lì liàng

Originally referred to soldiers and horses in an army; broadly means combat-effective troops or effe…

有声没气

yǒu shēng méi qì

Describes speaking in a listless, lifeless manner, as though lacking the energy or spirit to voice o…

有生之年

yǒu shēng zhī nián

The remaining years of one's life; the time one has left to live. It conveys a sense of cherishing o…

有所作为

yǒu suǒ zuò wéi

To accomplish something meaningful and achieve notable results. It implies that a person has the abi…

有头无尾

yǒu tóu wú wěi

To have a beginning but no end. It describes someone who starts something but fails to finish it, la…

有头有脑

yǒu tóu yǒu nǎo

A metaphor for being well-organized, coherent, and having clear direction. It describes someone whos…

有头有尾

yǒu tóu yǒu wěi

To have both a beginning and an end; to see something through from start to finish. It describes a p…

有文无行

yǒu wén wú xíng

Despite possessing literary talent, the person lacks moral integrity. It describes someone whose wri…

有隙可乘

yǒu xì kě chèng

There is a crack or loophole that can be taken advantage of. It describes a situation where a vulner…

有枝添叶

yǒu zhī tiān yè

This idiom describes the act of embellishing or exaggerating when recounting events or relaying some…

牖中窥日

yǒu zhōng kuī rì

Peering at the sun through a window. It is a metaphor for having narrow or limited knowledge — brigh…

有案可查

yǒu àn kě chá

There are documented records or files that can be consulted and verified. It indicates that evidence…

雨僝云僽

yǔ chán yún zhòu

This idiom describes how prolonged bad weather — rain and overcast skies — torments and wears people…

雨恨云愁

yǔ hèn yún chóu

This idiom describes clouds and rain that seem to carry sorrow and resentment, evoking a melancholic…

雨淋日炙

yǔ lín rì zhì

To be drenched by rain and scorched by the sun. It vividly describes the hardship and suffering of t…

羽毛未丰

yǔ máo wèi fēng

Literally referring to a young bird whose feathers have not yet fully grown in. It is used metaphori…

雨泣云愁

yǔ qì yún chóu

Tears falling like rain and sorrow gathering like clouds. This idiom vividly describes a state of pr…

与日俱增

yǔ rì jù zēng

To grow steadily with each passing day. It describes something—such as a feeling, influence, or prob…

与世长辞

yǔ shì cháng cí

To bid farewell to the world forever and depart from human life. It is a euphemistic expression mean…

与世浮沉

yǔ shì fú chén

To drift along with the currents of the world, conforming to prevailing customs and opinions without…

雨散风流

yǔ sàn fēng liú

A metaphor for people scattering and parting ways, like rain dispersing and wind drifting away. It d…

雨散云收

yǔ sàn yún shōu

Primarily a metaphor for close friends or relatives parting ways and dispersing. It can also refer l…

禹惜寸阴

yǔ xī cùn yīn

This idiom refers to the legendary Emperor Yu the Great's diligence in controlling floods and his de…

渔阳鞞鼓

yǔ yáng pí gǔ

This idiom refers to An Lushan's rebellion against the Tang Dynasty in 755 AD, when he raised an arm…

雨昫时若

yǔ yáng shí ruò

Rain and sunshine come in their proper seasons and in just the right measure, so the weather is harm…

语焉不详

yǔ yān bù xiáng

Refers to mentioning something but not explaining it in detail. It describes a vague or incomplete a…

语重情深

yǔ zhòng qíng shēn

An expression meaning words spoken with earnest weight and deep, sincere feeling, equivalent to 语重心长…

语重心长

yǔ zhòng xīn cháng

Describes speech that is deeply sincere and earnestly well-intentioned. The speaker's words carry si…

拽巷攞街

zhuài xiàng luǒ jiē

To shout loudly and cause a commotion that disturbs the neighbors. It describes someone making a noi…

撞府冲州

zhuàng fǔ chōng zhōu

Literally 'charging through prefectures and ramming into cities,' it originally referred to wanderin…

壮士断腕

zhuàng shì duàn wàn

Originally referring to a brave warrior who immediately cuts off his own wrist after being bitten by…

撞头搕脑

zhuàng tóu kē nǎo

To run into walls everywhere and suffer repeated setbacks or frustrations. It vividly depicts a pers…

壮志凌云

zhuàng zhì líng yún

To have grand ambitions that soar to the clouds. It describes someone with magnificent and far-reach…

壮志未酬

zhuàng zhì wèi chóu

Refers to lofty aspirations that remain unfulfilled. Originally described someone who lived a frustr…

斫雕为朴

zhuó diāo wéi pǔ

To strip away carving and ornamentation and uphold simplicity. It also refers to correcting extravag…

酌古准今

zhuó gǔ zhǔn jīn

To select and consider events of antiquity and employ them as a yardstick for judging or guiding pre…

卓然不群

zhuó rán bù qún

Describes someone who stands out prominently from ordinary people, possessing exceptional qualities …

着手成春

zhuó shǒu chéng chūn

Originally describing poetry that is natural and fresh, as if spring arrives the moment one sets han…

抓乖弄俏

zhuā guāi nòng qiào

To show off one's cleverness and act glib. It describes someone who tries to appear smart and witty,…

抓破脸皮

zhuā pò liǎn pí

This idiom describes a situation where two people's relationship has deteriorated to the point of op…

抓破脸子

zhuā pò liǎn zǐ

A metaphor for a complete rupture in a relationship, leading to open and public quarreling. It descr…

抓耳搔腮

zhuā?ěr sāo sāi

To scratch one's ears and rub one's cheeks. It describes being so anxious, frustrated, or agitated t…

专精覃思

zhuān jīng tán sī

Tan (覃) means deeply or profoundly. The idiom describes devoting oneself with focused effort to rese…

专心致志

zhuān xīn zhì zhì

To devote one's whole mind and attention to a single task. It describes being completely absorbed an…

妆模作样

zhuāng mó zuò yàng

To deliberately put on an act or pretend in order to impress others. It describes someone who behave…

装妖作怪

zhuāng yāo zuò guài

To dress up as a demon or monster to deceive people. Metaphorically, it means to deliberately act in…

追本穷源

zhuī běn qióng yuán

To trace a matter back to its ultimate origin by thorough investigation. It describes digging relent…

追风蹑影

zhuī fēng niè yǐng

Describes a horse running with extraordinary speed, as if chasing the wind and treading on shadows. …

追魂摄魄

zhuī hún shè pò

A superstitious term meaning to seize and capture someone's soul, causing their death. It originally…

追亡逐遁

zhuī wáng zhú dùn

This idiom means to pursue and attack a defeated, fleeing enemy, pressing the advantage after a vict…

拙口笨腮

zhuō kǒu bèn sāi

This idiom describes a person who is inarticulate and struggles to express themselves clearly. It re…

拙口钝腮

zhuō kǒu dùn sāi

A metaphor for being inarticulate, tongue-tied, and lacking eloquence. It describes someone whose sp…

拙嘴笨舌

zhuō zuǐ bèn shé

Describes someone who is awkward and inarticulate in speech, lacking fluency or eloquence when expre…

转日回天

zhuǎn rì huí tiān

To possess immense power capable of reversing an extremely difficult or seemingly hopeless situation…

转湾抹角

zhuǎn wān mò jiǎo

To follow a winding and twisting path or road. Figuratively, it describes speaking in a roundabout o…

转弯磨角

zhuǎn wān mó jiǎo

The idiom literally means turning corners and wearing down angles, describing the act of walking alo…

转忧为喜

zhuǎn yōu wéi xǐ

To turn from sorrow to joy; to have one's worries dispelled and become happy. It describes a sudden …

转战千里

zhuǎn zhàn qiān lǐ

To fight continuously across a vast distance, describing a long and arduous military campaign. It co…

诈败佯输

zhà bài yáng shū

To deliberately pretend to be defeated and retreat, in order to trick the enemy into letting down th…

战战业业

zhàn zhàn yè yè

Describes a state of being extremely cautious, vigilant, and fearful of making mistakes. It conveys …

瘴乡恶土

zhàng xiāng è tǔ

Refers to barren and backward places where miasma and pestilence are prevalent. Historically used to…

照功行赏

zhào gōng xíng shǎng

To reward people according to the size of their contributions or merits. It emphasizes a fair and me…

照猫画虎

zhào māo huà hǔ

To copy or imitate something using a similar model as reference, even if the result is not exact. It…

振领提纲

zhèn lǐng tí gāng

This idiom metaphorically describes grasping the essential points of a matter. Just as lifting a gar…

镇日镇夜

zhèn rì zhèn yè

All day and all night; day and night without cease. It describes continuous, unbroken activity or ex…

正本澄源

zhèng běn chéng yuán

To rectify the fundamentals and clarify the source. It means to address problems at their root cause…

正法直度

zhèng fǎ zhí dù

To enforce laws strictly and unify standards without deviation. The idiom emphasizes impartial gover…

政简刑清

zhèng jiǎn xíng qīng

An idiom describing a well-governed place where laws and regulations are kept simple and few, the so…

正襟危坐

zhèng jīn wēi zuò

To straighten one's clothes and sit up straight and proper. It describes someone sitting in a solemn…

正经八板

zhèng jīng bā bǎn

Serious, solemn, and proper in demeanor. It describes someone behaving in a formal, earnest manner, …

郑人实履

zhèng rén shí lǚ

This idiom refers to a person from the state of Zheng trying on shoes, satirizing those who blindly …

政通人和

zhèng tōng rén hé

Government affairs run smoothly and the people live in harmony. It describes a thriving, well-govern…

正颜厉色

zhèng yán lì sè

Describes someone putting on a stern, severe expression, typically when delivering a serious reprima…

政以贿成

zhèng yǐ huì chéng

This idiom describes a corrupt political system where nothing can be accomplished without bribery. I…

正正之旗

zhèng zhèng zhī qí

Flags arranged in neat, orderly rows. It is used metaphorically to describe a powerful and well-disc…

郑重其事

zhèng zhòng qí shì

To treat something with utmost seriousness and solemnity. It describes a person who approaches a mat…

郑昭宋聋

zhèng zhāo sòng lóng

A metaphor for contrasting levels of awareness leading to different outcomes. Zheng was perceptive a…

志得气盈

zhì dé qì yíng

Describes a person who has become arrogant and self-satisfied after realizing their ambitions. It co…

志得意满

zhì dé yì mǎn

To have one's ambitions realized and feel thoroughly satisfied. It describes a state where someone h…

掷地金声

zhì dì jīn shēng

Describes writing or literature whose language and rhetoric are exceptionally beautiful and resonant…

陟罚臧否

zhì fá zāng pǐ

This idiom refers to the act of promoting or demoting officials and appraising them as good or bad b…

治郭安邦

zhì guō ān bāng

A variant of the idiom 治国安邦, meaning to govern the state and bring peace and stability to the nation…

至高无上

zhì gāo wú shàng

Supreme and unmatched; reaching the absolute highest point with nothing above it. It describes somet…

陟岵瞻望

zhì hù zhān wàng

Literally means climbing a wooded hill and gazing into the distance. It describes someone living far…

鸷狠狼戾

zhì hěn láng lì

Describes a person who is extremely fierce, cruel, and perverse in temperament. The imagery compares…

智均力敌

zhì jūn lì dí

It means that both parties are evenly matched in intelligence and strength. The idiom describes a si…

栉沐风雨

zhì mù fēng yǔ

Literally 'wind combs the hair, rain washes the head.' It describes traveling and toiling through al…

至亲骨肉

zhì qīn gǔ ròu

One's closest blood relatives and immediate family members. The phrase uses 'bone and flesh' as a me…

至人无梦

zhì rén wú mèng

This idiom refers to a person who has reached the highest level of moral and spiritual cultivation. …

至善至美

zhì shàn zhì měi

The phrase literally means 'most good, most beautiful,' describing something that has reached the hi…

置身事外

zhì shēn shì wài

To place oneself outside of a matter; to remain aloof and show no concern. It describes someone who …

志同道合

zhì tóng dào hé

Describes people who share the same ambitions, ideals, and goals in life. It is commonly used to exp…

至矣尽矣

zhì yǐ jìn yǐ

Reaching the absolute extreme or pinnacle, beyond which nothing can be added or improved. It describ…

置之不理

zhì zhī bù lǐ

This idiom means to set something aside and ignore it completely. It describes a dismissive attitude…

置之度外

zhì zhī dù wài

To put something outside one's consideration, disregarding personal safety, gain, or loss. It descri…

置之脑后

zhì zhī nǎo hòu

To put something behind one's head and forget about it entirely. It describes disregarding or ignori…

智周万物

zhì zhōu wàn wù

One's knowledge and wisdom extend to all things in the world. The idiom describes a person of profou…

执鞭坠镫

zhí biān zhuì dèng

This idiom literally refers to holding someone's whip and adjusting their stirrups when they mount a…

执粗井灶

zhí cū jǐng zào

Literally to take up the coarse labor of drawing water from the well and tending the kitchen stove. …

植党营私

zhí dǎng yíng sī

To form cliques and factions to pursue personal gain. It describes corrupt officials or individuals …

植发冲冠

zhí fà chōng guàn

Describes a state of extreme fury or intense excitement in which one's hair bristles upright as if l…

直截了当

zhí jié liǎo dàng

Straightforward and direct, without beating around the bush. Describes speech or action that gets ri…

蹠犬噬尧

zhí quǎn shì yáo

The idiom originally describes how even a notorious robber's dog would bite at the sage king Yao—not…

直抒己见

zhí shū jǐ jiàn

To frankly express one's own opinions or views. It conveys speaking openly and straightforwardly wit…

执文害意

zhí wén hài yì

To cling rigidly to the literal wording of a text and thereby damage or distort its true meaning. It…

直言勿讳

zhí yán wù huì

To speak one's mind directly without any concealment or evasion. It describes someone who expresses …

众楚群咻

zhòng chǔ qún xiū

Refers to many people of Chu clamoring together and causing disturbance. By extension, it denotes nu…

众毁销骨

zhòng huǐ xiāo gǔ

Widespread slander can melt away a person's bones — a metaphor for how relentless rumors and malicio…

众口交传

zhòng kǒu jiāo chuán

To be spread by word of mouth among many people; to be talked about and passed around by everyone. I…

众口交詈

zhòng kǒu jiāo lì

This idiom means that everyone unanimously scolds or condemns someone. It describes a situation wher…

众口熏天

zhòng kǒu xūn tiān

This idiom means that collective public opinion can reach and move heaven. It serves as a metaphor f…

众口一词

zhòng kǒu yī cí

Everyone says the same thing; people are unanimous in their account or opinion. It describes a situa…

众流归海

zhòng liú guī hǎi

All rivers and streams flow into the sea. It metaphorically means that many scattered or diverse thi…

众目昭彰

zhòng mù zhāo zhāng

Everyone can see it clearly; something is plain and unmistakable to all observers. Used to describe …

众难群移

zhòng nán qún yí

This idiom describes a situation where many people collectively harbor doubts and difficulties in th…

众怒难犯

zhòng nù nán fàn

The anger of the masses is difficult to provoke or oppose. It warns that one should not act against …

众犬吠声

zhòng quǎn fèi shēng

A metaphor for blindly echoing or following others without independent judgment. Just as one dog's b…

重气轻命

zhòng qì qīng mìng

To value honor and righteousness above one's own life. It describes someone who places personal inte…

众矢之的

zhòng shǐ zhī dì

Literally 'the target of many arrows.' It refers to a person or thing that has become the focus of p…

众所周知

zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī

It is widely known by everyone; a fact that is common knowledge to all. Used to introduce informatio…

众星拱极

zhòng xīng gǒng jí

Like numerous stars circling the North Star, it describes many things or people gathered around a si…

昼警夕惕

zhòu jǐng xī tì

To remain vigilant and on guard both day and night, never letting one's guard down. It describes a s…

昼夜兼程

zhòu yè jiān chéng

To travel day and night without stopping. It describes hurrying to a destination by journeying conti…

骤雨暴风

zhòu yǔ bào fēng

A sudden and violent storm of wind and rain. Used both literally for extreme weather and metaphorica…

铸成大错

zhù chéng dà cuò

To forge a grave mistake. It describes committing a serious and often irreversible error with lastin…

祝鲠祝饐

zhù gěng zhù yì

An ancient Chinese imperial rite of honoring the elderly: when retired senior officials were invited…

祝哽祝噎

zhù gěng zhù yē

An ancient imperial practice of honoring the elderly in which attendants were appointed to pray that…

助桀为恶

zhù jié wéi è

To help a wicked person commit evil deeds. Jie (桀) was the notorious last king of the Xia dynasty, r…

著述等身

zhù shù děng shēn

One's written works pile up to equal one's own height. It describes a person who has authored an eno…

铸山煮海

zhù shān zhǔ hǎi

To mine copper from mountains to mint coins and boil seawater to extract salt. It is a metaphor for …

柱小倾大

zhù xiǎo qīng dà

A small pillar supporting a large structure will inevitably collapse. It is a metaphor for someone o…

助纣为虐

zhù zhòu wéi nüè

To help a bad person do evil things. It is a metaphor for aiding villains or wicked people in commit…

杼柚其空

zhù zhóu qí kōng

The weaving shuttles and looms stand empty. It describes a situation where production has ceased and…

竹苞松茂

zhú bāo sōng mào

The idiom depicts bamboo growing thick and pine flourishing lushly. It serves as a metaphor for a pr…

逐机应变

zhú jī yìng biàn

To adapt one's actions to changing circumstances as they arise, responding flexibly to each situatio…

逐浪随波

zhú làng suí bō

Literally meaning to chase after waves and drift with the current, this idiom metaphorically describ…

擿埴索途

zhāi zhí suǒ tú

The idiom originally describes a blind person tapping the ground with a staff to find their way forw…

占风使帆

zhān fēng shǐ fān

A metaphor for adapting nimbly to circumstances and acting according to how the situation unfolds. I…

章甫荐履

zhān fǔ jiàn lǚ

This idiom literally means using a ceremonial cap to pad inside one's shoes. It metaphorically descr…

粘花惹草

zhān huā rě cǎo

This idiom uses flowers and grass as metaphors for objects of romantic interest. It describes someon…

沾亲带故

zhān qīn dài gù

To have some kinship or friendship connection with someone. It describes people who are related by b…

詹詹炎炎

zhān zhān yán yán

Describes someone who talks endlessly and in a forceful, overblown manner. It conveys the image of a…

张唇植髭

zhāng chún zhí zī

Describes someone talking incessantly and with animated agitation, arguing passionately about right …

张皇其事

zhāng huáng qí shì

To exaggerate or magnify a matter beyond its actual proportions. It describes someone who blows thin…

张惶失措

zhāng huáng shī cuò

To be thrown into a panic and completely at a loss for what to do. It describes a state of flustered…

彰明较着

zhāng míng jiào zhù

This idiom describes something that is extremely obvious, clear, and undeniable to anyone who observ…

彰善瘅恶

zhāng shàn dàn è

This idiom means to commend and make known what is good while detesting and condemning what is evil.…

獐头鼠目

zhāng tóu shǔ mù

This idiom literally describes someone with a small, pointed head like a roe deer and small, round e…

张王赵李

zhāng wáng zhào lǐ

This idiom refers to ordinary people or the general public, using four common Chinese surnames as pl…

张眼露睛

zhāng yǎn lù jīng

Literally 'to open the eyes wide and bare the eyeballs,' this idiom describes someone who stares int…

朝不保暮

zhāo bù bǎo mù

Literally meaning one cannot guarantee the evening from the morning. It describes an extremely preca…

朝成暮遍

zhāo chéng mù biàn

Written in the morning and circulating everywhere by evening. It describes how a piece of writing sp…

招财进宝

zhāo cái jìn bǎo

To attract wealth and invite treasure into one's home or business. It is a traditional Chinese expre…

昭德塞违

zhāo dé sè wéi

To make virtue known and illustrious while putting an end to wrongdoing and corrupt practices. The p…

招蜂引蝶

zhāo fēng yǐn dié

To deliberately draw attention to oneself, especially flirtatious or romantic attention from the opp…

朝令暮改

zhāo lìng mù gǎi

An order issued in the morning is changed by evening. It describes a person or authority that consta…

朝露溘至

zhāo lù kè zhì

This idiom compares human life to morning dew that appears briefly and vanishes quickly. It expresse…

朝乾夕惕

zhāo qián xī tì

Describes being diligent and cautious from morning to night, never allowing the slightest negligence…

招权纳赇

zhāo quán nà qiú

To monopolize authority and accept bribes; to abuse one's power for personal enrichment. It is synon…

昭然若揭

zhāo rán ruò jiē

Describes the truth or a hidden fact being so completely exposed and obvious that nothing remains co…

昭如日星

zhāo rú rì xīng

As clear and obvious as the sun and stars. It describes great achievements or merits that are plain …

招是生非

zhāo shì shēng fēi

To stir up trouble or provoke conflict over nothing. It describes someone who deliberately creates d…

朝阳鸣凤

zhāo yáng míng fèng

A metaphor for a person of outstanding virtue who is upright and unafraid to speak out with honest c…

招摇过市

zhāo yáo guò shì

To swagger through the streets in a showy or ostentatious manner, deliberately drawing attention to …

招灾揽祸

zhāo zāi lǎn huò

To invite disaster and bring trouble upon oneself through reckless or meddlesome behavior. It descri…

遮天映日

zhē tiān yìng rì

Describes something so vast in size, overwhelming in number, or imposing in force that it seems to b…

真情实感

zhēn qíng shí gǎn

Genuine emotion and authentic feeling. It refers to sincere heartfelt sentiments or real personal ex…

真赃实犯

zhēn zāng shí fàn

The stolen goods are genuine and the culprit is a confirmed, real offender. The phrase describes a c…

争短论长

zhēng duǎn lùn cháng

It refers to quarreling or bickering over trivial matters, comparing who is better or worse. The idi…

征名责实

zhēng míng zé shí

To investigate someone's reputation or title and hold them accountable for matching it with actual s…

狰狞面目

zhēng níng miàn mù

Describes a fierce, vicious, and menacing facial expression or appearance. It is commonly used to po…

争先恐后

zhēng xiān kǒng hòu

To scramble to be first and fear being left behind. It describes people eagerly competing or rushing…

铮铮铁骨

zhēng zhēng tiě gǔ

Describes a person of unyielding moral integrity and indomitable spirit, as firm and unbending as fo…

者也之乎

zhě yě zhī hū

The four characters 者、也、之、乎 are all common grammatical particles in classical Chinese. The idiom des…

赭衣塞路

zhě yī sàī lù

Literally describes prisoners clad in red convict garments choking the roads. It depicts a society o…

枕干之雠

zhěn gàn zhī chóu

Refers to a blood feud that must be avenged — an irreconcilable, mortal hatred. The phrase pictures …

枕戈待旦

zhěn gē dài dàn

To sleep with one's weapon as a pillow while awaiting daybreak. It describes someone who is constant…

枕戈达旦

zhěn gē dá dàn

Literally meaning to rest one's head on a weapon while waiting for daybreak. It describes someone so…

枕戈坐甲

zhěn gē zuò jiǎ

To rest one's head on a weapon while still wearing armor, sitting upright and ready for combat. It d…

枕山臂江

zhěn shān bì jiāng

Describes a location nestled against mountains with a river flowing beside it, enjoying a scenic and…

整纷剔蠹

zhěng fēn tī dù

To put right what is in chaos and weed out corrupting abuses. It describes a leader who, upon taking…

整装待发

zhěng zhuāng dài fā

To pack and prepare one's belongings, then wait for departure. It describes a state of full readines…

支策据梧

zhī cè jù wú

The idiom derives from three ancient masters—Zhao Wen playing the lute, Shi Kuang striking his staff…

枝辞蔓语

zhī cí màn yǔ

Verbose and rambling speech that is tangled and disorganized, like branches and creeping vines. It d…

枝词蔓语

zhī cí màn yǔ

Refers to verbose, rambling, and tangled speech or writing full of unnecessary digressions. The meta…

支纷节解

zhī fēn jié jiě

To dismember a body by separating limbs and joints, literally cutting someone to pieces. It is a viv…

枝节横生

zhī jié héng shēng

This idiom describes unexpected complications, side issues, or obstacles that suddenly and unexpecte…

知命不忧

zhī mìng bù yōu

One who understands the mandate of Heaven and accepts the natural course of destiny will be free fro…

知难而进

zhī nán ér jìn

To forge ahead despite knowing the difficulties ahead. It describes a courageous and resolute attitu…

知情不举

zhī qíng bù jǔ

Knowing about a situation yet failing to report or expose it. The term typically refers to being awa…

知书达礼

zhī shū dá lǐ

Describes a person who is well-educated and courteous, possessing both cultural refinement and good …

枝外生枝

zhī wài shēng zhī

A metaphor for things that branch off and multiply beyond what was originally intended. It describes…

知雄守雌

zhī xióng shǒu cí

This idiom describes knowing strength and power yet deliberately choosing to remain gentle and yield…

知足不辱

zhī zú bù rǔ

Those who know when they are content will not suffer disgrace. It advises people to avoid greed and …

知恩报恩

zhī ēn bào ēn

To acknowledge the kindness one has received and repay it in kind. It describes a person of moral in…

钟鼓之色

zhōng gǔ zhī sè

The joyful and delighted expression on one's face, likened to the happiness shown when enjoying the …

中外合璧

zhōng wài hé bì

This idiom describes the seamless fusion of Chinese and foreign elements into a harmonious whole. It…

忠孝节义

zhōng xiào jié yì

Refers to the four moral standards promoted by feudal Chinese rulers: loyalty to the sovereign, fili…

终焉之志

zhōng yān zhī zhì

The resolve to settle down in a place and live out the rest of one's life there. It describes a pers…

中庸之道

zhōng yōng zhī dào

The way of the mean; a philosophy of moderation that avoids extremes and seeks balance. It advocates…

舟车劳顿

zhōu chē láo dùn

This idiom describes the weariness and exhaustion from traveling by boat and carriage, referring bro…

诌上抑下

zhōu shàng yì xià

To fawn over those above while oppressing those below. It describes a person who is sycophantic towa…

粥少僧多

zhōu shǎo sēng duō

Literally meaning 'little porridge but many monks,' this idiom describes a situation where resources…

粥粥无能

zhōu zhōu wú néng

Describes someone who appears humble, weak, and lacking in ability. It conveys a demeanor of meeknes…

周而不比

zhōu ér bù bǐ

To associate broadly and harmoniously with others without forming factions or conspiring for private…

珠窗网户

zhū chuāng wǎng hù

Describes windows adorned with pearls and doors with intricate lattice work. It refers to extremely …

诛锄异己

zhū chú yì jǐ

To execute and weed out those who are different from oneself. It refers to eliminating and eradicati…

朱唇玉面

zhū chún yù miàn

A poetic description of a strikingly beautiful woman, emphasizing her rosy red lips and fair, lustro…

铢称寸量

zhū chēng cùn liáng

To weigh and measure with extreme precision, down to the smallest unit. It describes someone who scr…

朱干玉戚

zhū gān yù qī

Red-lacquered shields and jade-adorned axes, originally used as ritual vessels in ancient China. Lat…

珠歌翠舞

zhū gē cuì wǔ

This idiom describes beautiful and splendid singing and dancing. The 'pearl' and 'emerald' refer to …

铢积寸累

zhū jī cùn lěi

The zhu was an ancient Chinese unit of weight so small that one hundred grains of millet weighed one…

株连蔓引

zhū lián màn yǐn

To implicate widely, dragging in numerous people through guilt by association. The imagery evokes tr…

珠零玉落

zhū líng yù luò

A metaphor for precious things being broken, scattered, and destroyed. It evokes the sorrowful image…

珠槃玉敦

zhū pán yù dūn

This idiom originally refers to the pearl-adorned plate and jade vessel used by feudal lords during …

猪朋狗友

zhū péng gǒu yǒu

A metaphor for bad friends who are gluttonous, lazy, and idle. It refers to disreputable companions …

朱雀玄武

zhū què xuán wǔ

Zhuque (the Vermilion Bird) is the collective name for the seven southern lunar mansions, and Xuanwu…

诸亲六眷

zhū qīn liù juàn

A collective term referring to all of one's relatives and extended family. The character 诸 means 'al…

诸若此类

zhū ruò cǐ lèi

Many things of this kind or all similar things of this nature. It is used to indicate that there are…

侏儒一节

zhū rǔ yī jié

A single segment or detail that reveals the whole of something. It is used as a metaphor for a local…

珠投璧抵

zhū tóu bì dǐ

Literally meaning to throw pearls and jade at birds. It is a metaphor for a talented person whose ab…

猪突豨勇

zhū tū xī yǒng

A derogatory term for people who recklessly charge forward with desperate, suicidal bravery, like wi…

珠围翠拥

zhū wéi cuì yōng

Refers to luxurious and opulent decoration or ornamentation. It describes a setting richly adorned w…

珠圆玉润

zhū yuán yù rùn

Describes something as round as a pearl and as smooth and glossy as polished jade. Figuratively, it …

诸子百家

zhū zǐ bǎi jiā

Originally referring to the representative thinkers and schools of thought during the pre-Qin period…

展翅高飞

zhǎn chì gāo fēi

Literally meaning to spread one's wings and fly high, this idiom describes a bird soaring into the s…

咫尺天颜

zhǐ chǐ tiān yán

Literally meaning 'the emperor's face within arm's reach,' this idiom describes being in extremely c…

咫尺之书

zhǐ chǐ zhī shū

A letter or written correspondence. In ancient China, writing was done on wooden slips, and the slip…

纸贵洛阳

zhǐ guì luò yáng

This idiom describes a literary work so valuable and popular that it spreads widely and sells in gre…

止戈兴仁

zhǐ gē xīng rén

To cease warfare and implement benevolent governance. It advocates ending armed conflict in favor of…

止渴望梅

zhǐ kě wàng méi

Literally meaning to quench one's thirst by looking at plums, this idiom refers to consoling oneself…

指空话空

zhǐ kōng huà kōng

This idiom refers to deliberately mystifying or pretending to possess supernatural abilities. It des…

纸落云烟

zhǐ luò yún yān

Describes writing or calligraphy that is swift, graceful, and effortless, as if the brush flies acro…

指囷相赠

zhǐ què xiāng zèng

囷 (qūn) refers to a round granary. To point at one's granary and give away the grain inside describe…

纸上谈兵

zhǐ shàng tán bīng

To engage in empty theorizing about military strategy without practical experience. It describes som…

只争朝夕

zhǐ zhēng zhāo xī

To seize every moment and strive to achieve a goal in the shortest possible time. The characters 朝 (…

指掌可取

zhǐ zhǎng kě qǔ

Something so close at hand that it is as easy to obtain as taking an object from one's own palm. The…

趾踵相接

zhǐ zhǒng xiāng jiē

Describes an immense crowd of people so densely packed that one person's toes nearly touch the heels…

指皁为白

zhǐ zào wéi bái

To deliberately confuse black and white, calling what is black white and vice versa. It describes th…

踵决肘见

zhǒng jué zhǒu jiàn

When one adjusts one's garment, the elbow shows through a torn sleeve; when one tugs on one's shoe, …

踵武相接

zhǒng wǔ xiāng jiē

Describes an unbroken stream of people arriving one after another, their footprints nearly overlappi…

拄笏看山

zhǔ hù kàn shān

An idiom metaphorically describing a high-minded official who maintains a lofty, carefree demeanor w…

主敬存诚

zhǔ jìng cún chéng

To maintain a reverent and sincere attitude as the foundation of one's conduct. It was a core princi…

主情造意

zhǔ qíng zào yì

Refers to the chief instigator or ringleader who masterminds a plot or conspiracy. It describes the …

主守自盗

zhǔ shǒu zì dào

To steal property that one has been officially entrusted to guard or manage. It describes an officia…

钻洞觅缝

zuàn dòng mì féng

Literally meaning to drill holes and seek out seams. It metaphorically describes someone trying ever…

钻坚研微

zuàn jiān yán wēi

To delve into difficult and profound subjects with diligence. It describes the tireless effort of st…

钻头就锁

zuàn tóu jiù suǒ

Describes someone who voluntarily walks into a trap or brings trouble upon themselves by rushing hea…

罪不容诛

zuì bù róng zhū

The offender's crimes are so heinous that even executing them cannot fully atone for the wrongdoing.…

罪不胜诛

zuì bù shèng zhū

The crimes are so grave that even the death penalty is insufficient to atone for them. It describes …

晬面盎背

zuì miàn àng bèi

Describes a person whose inner virtue radiates outwardly, giving them a warm, gentle countenance and…

衒玉自售

zuì yù zì shòu

A metaphor for boasting about one's own talents in order to seek employment, appointment, or trust. …

罪有应得

zuì yǒu yīng dé

To deserve the punishment one receives. It describes a situation where someone's wrongdoing naturall…

罪恶深重

zuì è shēn zhòng

This idiom describes someone who has committed extremely serious crimes and grave misdeeds. It conve…

作辍无常

zuò chuò wú cháng

To work on and off without consistency or persistence. It describes a person who starts something bu…

作法自毙

zuò fǎ zì bì

To make a law that ultimately brings harm to oneself. It refers to a situation where a person's own …

坐怀不乱

zuò huái bù luàn

Describes a man who remains proper and self-controlled in intimate situations with the opposite sex,…

作好作歹

zuò hǎo zuò dǎi

To persuade someone by using various reasons and approaches, alternating between different tactics. …

作奸犯科

zuò jiān fàn kē

To commit evil or criminal acts and break the law. The phrase describes someone engaging in wrongdoi…

作金石声

zuò jīn shí shēng

This idiom originally refers to the clear, crisp sound of metal and stone instruments such as bells …

坐冷板凳

zuò lěng bǎn dèng

This idiom describes being sidelined or assigned to an unimportant, idle position due to lack of fav…

作舍道旁

zuò shě dào páng

This idiom describes a situation where too many conflicting opinions make it difficult to accomplish…

坐卧针毡

zuò wò zhēn zhān

Like sitting or lying on a needle-studded felt mat. It describes being extremely restless and anxiou…

作小服低

zuò xiǎo fú dī

To act humbly and submissively toward others, especially toward those of lower status. It describes …

坐拥书城

zuò yōng shū chéng

Describes possessing a book collection so vast and impressive that it is likened to owning an entire…

做张做智

zuò zhāng zuò zhì

To put on airs and act pretentiously. It describes someone who deliberately puts on a show to appear…

坐而论道

zuò ér lùn dào

Literally 'to sit and discuss the Way,' this idiom describes someone who sits around indulging in lo…

左顾右眄

zuǒ gù yòu miǎn

To look left and right; to examine carefully in all directions. It describes someone who glances aro…

左建外易

zuǒ jiàn wài yì

To establish authority and change laws or institutions through improper, unorthodox means. It descri…

左家娇女

zuǒ jiā jiāo nǚ

A beautiful and lovable young girl. The phrase originates from the Jin dynasty poet Zuo Si's fond de…

左邻右里

zuǒ lín yòu lǐ

This idiom refers to one's neighbors or the people living around oneself. It literally describes tho…

左邻右舍

zuǒ lín yòu shè

This idiom literally refers to the neighbors to one's left and right. By extension, it metaphoricall…

左铅右椠

zuǒ qiān yòu qiàn

To have writing tools (lead stylus and wooden tablets) always at hand, on both the left and right. I…

佐饔得尝

zuǒ yōng dé cháng

This idiom means that those who help others do good will receive good in return, just as someone who…

佐雍得尝

zuǒ yōng dé cháng

A metaphor for helping others do good and thereby sharing in the glory and reward oneself. It sugges…

载沉载浮

zài chén zài fú

The idiom literally describes something bobbing up and down in water, now sinking, now floating, lik…

再接再砺

zài jiē zài lì

Originally describing roosters sharpening their beaks before resuming a cockfight, this idiom now me…

再衰三竭

zài shuāi sān jié

This idiom describes strength or morale being repeatedly depleted until it is completely exhausted. …

在所不惜

zài suǒ bù xī

To not hesitate at all; to be willing to do something regardless of the cost or sacrifice. It convey…

再三再四

zài sān zài sì

Repeatedly; over and over again. It describes an action being done multiple times, emphasizing the f…

在天之灵

zài tiān zhī líng

An honorific term referring to the spirit or soul of the deceased in heaven. It is used to show resp…

再造之恩

zài zào zhī ēn

The grace of being given a second life. It refers to a life-saving favor or profound kindness, as if…

赞口不绝

zàn kǒu bù jué

To praise someone or something incessantly without stopping. It describes a person who is so impress…

造端倡始

zào duān chàng shǐ

To initiate and advocate something from the very beginning; to be the first to propose or lead a new…

造茧自缚

zào jiǎn zì fù

Literally 'spinning a cocoon to bind oneself.' It means doing something that ultimately traps or res…

皂丝麻线

zào sī má xiàn

A metaphor for tangled, unclear, or improperly mixed-up relationships and affairs. It evokes the ima…

躁言丑句

zào yán chǒu jù

This idiom refers to foul, offensive, and ugly speech. The character 躁 here functions as a loan char…

造言生事

zào yán shēng shì

To fabricate lies and stir up trouble. It describes someone who spreads false rumors or invents stor…

造谣生非

zào yáo shēng fēi

To fabricate rumors and stir up trouble; identical in meaning to 造谣生事. It describes the deliberate a…

杂乱无序

zá luàn wú xù

Cluttered and chaotic, lacking any clear organization or system. It describes a state where things a…

凿骨捣髓

záo gǔ dǎo suǐ

Describes speech or behavior that is extremely harsh, venomous, and bitterly cruel. The visceral ima…

凿坏以遁

záo pī yǐ dùn

To chisel through a wall and make one's escape. The idiom refers to refusing an official appointment…

谮下谩上

zèn xià mán shàng

This idiom describes someone who slanders their subordinates while deceiving their superiors. It cha…

择福宜重

zé fú yí zhòng

When choosing among blessings, one should select the weightiest and most substantial. The idiom advi…

择善而行

zé shàn ér xíng

To choose what is good and act upon it. The idiom advises selecting beneficial or righteous courses …

责无旁贷

zé wú páng dài

One's duty cannot be shifted to others; the responsibility rests squarely on oneself and must not be…

贼眉鼠眼

zéi méi shǔ yǎn

Describes a person who looks sly, shifty, and untrustworthy. It conveys the impression that someone …

贼人胆虚

zéi rén dǎn xū

A metaphor describing how a person who has done wrong always feels uneasy and fearful in their heart…

贼心不死

zéi xīn bù sǐ

To persist in evil intentions or criminal schemes, refusing to give up one's wicked designs despite …

自暴自弃

zì bào zì qì

To willfully degrade oneself and give up all hope of self-improvement. It describes a person who, af…

自拔来归

zì bá lái guī

To pull oneself free of a bad situation and voluntarily come over to the side of what is right. It d…

自吹自擂

zì chuī zì léi

Literally blowing one's own horn and beating one's own drum. It is a metaphor for boasting or blowin…

自吹自捧

zì chuī zì pěng

To blow one's own horn and sing one's own praises; to boast and flatter oneself. It describes someon…

自惭形秽

zì cán xíng huì

To feel ashamed because one believes oneself inferior to others. It describes a sense of inadequacy …

自负不凡

zì fù bù fán

Describes a person who is arrogant and considers themselves superior to others. It conveys an inflat…

自觉自愿

zì jué zì yuàn

To do something of one's own free will, with conscious awareness and genuine willingness. It describ…

自立门户

zì lì mén hù

To establish one's own household or family independently. In academic or professional contexts, it m…

自命清高

zì mìng qīng gāo

To consider oneself aloof and above worldly concerns. It describes someone who prides themselves on …

自强不息

zì qiáng bù xī

To relentlessly strive to improve oneself without ever giving up. It describes an indomitable will a…

自欺欺人

zì qī qī rén

To deceive oneself as well as others. It describes someone who not only lies to other people but als…

自身难保

zì shēn nán bǎo

One is in such a precarious or desperate situation that one can barely look after oneself, let alone…

自私自利

zì sī zì lì

Selfish and concerned only with personal gain. It describes someone whose motives are entirely self-…

恣无忌惮

zì wú jì dàn

To act in a completely unrestrained and reckless manner, with no scruples or fear of consequences. I…

自我陶醉

zì wǒ táo zuì

To be intoxicated with oneself or blindly self-admiring, seeking inner comfort by becoming immersed …

自相矛盾

zì xiāng máo dùn

To contradict oneself. Saying or doing things that cannot both be true at the same time.

自新之路

zì xīn zhī lù

A path or opportunity for wrongdoers to reform themselves and start life anew. It refers to giving c…

自怨自艾

zì yuàn zì yì

Originally meant to regret one's own mistakes and correct them oneself. In modern usage, it refers o…

字正腔圆

zì zhèng qiāng yuán

This idiom describes clear and accurate enunciation combined with smooth, polished vocal delivery. I…

自知之明

zì zhī zhī míng

The ability to see oneself clearly and have an accurate, honest assessment of one's own strengths, w…

字字珠玑

zì zì zhū jī

Every word is like a precious pearl. It describes writing or speech whose every word is exquisitely …

字字珠玉

zì zì zhū yù

Every character is as precious as pearl and jade. It describes writing that is exceptionally well-cr…

纵横天下

zòng héng tiān xià

To roam freely across the world without encountering any resistance. It describes someone who is so …

足音空谷

zú yīn kōng gǔ

A metaphor for rare and precious people or remarks — like hearing human footsteps in a desolate, emp…

灾梨祸枣

zāi lí huò zǎo

This idiom describes the wasteful printing of useless, poorly written, or worthless books. In ancien…

赃秽狼藉

zāng huì láng jí

Describes someone who is corrupt and takes bribes, whose misconduct is flagrant and reputation thoro…

赃污狼藉

zāng wū láng jí

This idiom describes officials who engage in corruption, bribery, and misconduct, resulting in a tho…

脏污狼藉

zāng wū láng jí

Describes officials who engage in corruption and bribery, with a reputation so thoroughly ruined tha…

遭倾遇祸

zāo qīng yù huò

To suffer misfortune during a time of national peril and collapse. It describes encountering calamit…

趑趄嗫嚅

zī jū niè rú

This idiom describes someone who wants to advance but holds back, and wants to speak but falters. It…

兹事体大

zī shì tǐ dà

This matter is of great importance and carries significant consequences. It is used to emphasize tha…

资深望重

zī shēng wàng zhòng

Refers to a person who has accumulated deep experience and seniority over many years, and whose repu…

孜孜无倦

zī zī wú juàn

To work or study diligently without ever feeling tired. It describes someone who devotes themselves …

宗师案临

zōng shī àn lín

Refers to the Qing dynasty Provincial Education Commissioner (学政), respectfully called 宗师, arriving …

遵时养晦

zūn shí yǎng huì

To follow the circumstances of the times and preserve oneself in obscurity. Originally praising King…

尊师贵道

zūn shī guì dào

To honor one's teachers and revere the moral teachings they impart. It embodies the Confucian convic…

遵养待时

zūn yǎng dài shí

To bend with the prevailing circumstances, conserve one's strength, and patiently wait for the right…

遵养晦时

zūn yǎng huì shí

To follow the principle of nurturing oneself in obscurity and waiting for the right moment. It descr…

遵养时晦

zūn yǎng shí huì

To follow the circumstances and bide one's time in obscurity. Originally a tribute to King Wu of Zho…

紫芝眉宇

zǐ zhī méi yǔ

A phrase praising someone's lofty and pure moral character. It derives from the Tang scholar Yuan De…

走花溜水

zǒu huā liū bīng

A vivid metaphor for boasting, bragging, or talking big without substance. It describes someone who …

走马观花

zǒu mǎ guān huā

To look at flowers while riding a horse — meaning to give something a quick, superficial glance with…

走马章台

zǒu mǎ zhāng tái

Zhangtai was a street in Han dynasty Chang'an that later became a euphemism for brothels. The phrase…

走头无路

zǒu tóu wú lù

To have no way out; to be driven into a corner with no escape. It describes a desperate situation wh…

祖武宗文

zǔ wǔ zōng wén

To model after King Wu and revere King Wen of the Zhou dynasty. It refers to honoring and continuing…

祖宗法度

zǔ zōng fǎ dù

The body of laws, regulations, and institutional norms established by the founding emperors or earli…

俎樽折冲

zǔ zūn zhé chōng

To defeat an opponent at the banquet table or in diplomatic negotiations rather than on the battlefi…

爱别离苦

ài bié lí kǔ

A Buddhist term describing the pain and suffering that comes from being separated from those one lov…

爱才若渴

ài cái ruò kě

To love and value talented people as urgently as one craves water when thirsty. It describes a leade…

爱鹤失众

ài hè shī zhòng

Literally meaning 'loving cranes and losing the people,' this idiom is a metaphor for losing the gre…

爱人利物

ài rén lì wù

To cherish the people and strive to benefit them. It describes a benevolent and compassionate attitu…

爱人以德

ài rén yǐ dé

To care for others according to moral standards, without favoritism or indulgence. It describes lovi…

按部就班

àn bù jiù bān

To proceed in an orderly, step-by-step manner. Following a planned sequence without rushing.

按兵不举

àn bīng bù jǔ

To keep one's troops stationary without launching an attack or taking action; equivalent to 按兵不动. It…

暗锤打人

àn chuí dǎ rén

Literally 'to strike a person with a hidden hammer.' It is a metaphor for attacking or harming someo…

暗淡无光

àn dàn wú guāng

Dim, dull, and lacking any brightness or luster. It describes something that has lost its original r…

案剑瞋目

àn jiàn chēn mù

To grip one's sword and glare fiercely. It describes a person brimming with threatening rage, appear…

暗气暗恼

àn qì àn nǎo

To silently harbor resentment and frustration after being wronged or offended. It describes someone …

黯然无色

àn rán wú sè

This idiom describes something that has lost its original luster or brilliance, becoming dull and li…

暗室屋漏

àn shì wū lòu

Refers to hidden places where one cannot be seen by others, such as a dark room or an obscure corner…

按图索骥

àn tú suǒ jì

Looking for a fine horse by following its picture. It metaphorically means acting rigidly according …

傲慢无礼

ào màn wú lǐ

Arrogant and lacking in courtesy; behaving with an overbearing attitude toward others without observ…

傲雪欺霜

ào xuě qī shuāng

Literally 'braving the snow and scorning the frost,' this idiom describes enduring harsh cold withou…

騣女痴男

ái nǚ chī nán

Refers to men and women who are deeply infatuated with romantic love, often to the point of losing t…

騣童钝夫

ái tóng dùn fū

This idiom refers to ignorant, foolish, and clumsy people. It describes individuals who are slow-wit…

熬肠刮肚

áo cháng guā dù

This idiom describes enduring hunger and extreme frugality in food and daily expenses. It conveys th…

鳌鸣鳖应

áo míng biē yīng

A metaphor for mutual resonance and sympathetic response between parties. It describes a situation w…

敖世轻物

áo shì qīng wù

To despise the world and look down on others. It describes someone who is arrogant and holds worldly…

熬心费力

áo xīn fèi lì

To exhaust one's mental and physical energy on something. It describes putting in great effort and e…

恶叉白赖

è chā bái lài

To act shamelessly and make trouble without justification. It describes brazen, unreasonable behavio…

恶贯已盈

è guàn yǐ yíng

Describes someone whose accumulated evil deeds have reached their absolute limit and whose time for …

遏密八音

è mì bā yīn

All kinds of musical instruments stop playing and silence prevails. Historically it referred to the …

恶言詈辞

è yán lì cí

This idiom refers to malicious and abusive language used to insult, slander, or verbally attack othe…

恶语中伤

è yǔ zhòng shāng

To slander and attack others using vicious, malicious language. It refers to employing hateful words…

恶直丑正

è zhí chǒu zhèng

To hate the upright and despise the righteous. It describes those who resent and persecute honest, p…

二八佳人

èr bā jiā rén

The idiom refers to a beautiful young woman of sixteen years of age. '二八' (two times eight) equals s…

二惠竞爽

èr huì jìng shuǎng

This idiom metaphorically praises two brothers who are both outstanding and capable. It originally r…

二心三意

èr xīn sān yì

To have one's mind pulled in multiple directions at once, unable to settle on a single thought or de…

峨冠博带

é guān bó dài

Describes the formal attire of ancient Chinese scholar-officials: a tall ceremonial hat and a wide w…

蛾眉皓齿

é méi hào chǐ

Describes a woman with long, gracefully curved eyebrows like moth antennae and gleaming white teeth.…

额手称颂

é shǒu chēng sòng

To place one's hand on one's forehead while expressing praise and gratitude, conveying a sense of jo…

鹅王择乳

é wáng zé rǔ

A metaphor for selecting only the finest essence and discarding the inferior or diluted parts. It de…

儿女成行

ér nǚ chéng háng

One's children can be lined up in a row. It describes a family with many children. The idiom conveys…

挨风缉缝

āi fēng jī fèng

This idiom describes seeking out every possible avenue and connection to achieve a goal, like squeez…

哀告宾服

āi gào bīn fú

In ancient times, 'bin fu' referred to vassal states or border tribes paying regular tribute as a si…

哀感天地

āi gǎn tiān dì

Describes grief so profound and intense that it seems to move heaven and earth themselves. The idiom…

哀感顽艳

āi gǎn wán yàn

Originally described mournful yet beautiful writing or music that moved both the dull-witted and the…

哀鸿遍地

āi hóng biàn dì

A metaphor describing a scene of widespread suffering where victims of famine, war, or natural disas…

挨肩并足

āi jiān bìng zú

Describes a dense, jostling crowd where people are packed so tightly that their shoulders press toge…

挨肩擦膀

āi jiān cā bǎng

Describes bodies pressed close together, or a crowd so dense that people are physically touching sho…

挨门逐户

āi mén zhú hù

To go from door to door, visiting every single household without exception. It describes a thorough,…

唉声叹气

āi shēng tàn qì

To sigh and groan out of sadness, frustration, or depression. It describes someone expressing deject…

哀声叹气

āi shēng tàn qì

To sigh in grief or frustration; to express sorrow or dejection through continuous sighing. It descr…

挨三顶五

āi sān dǐng wǔ

Describes a large number of people crowded close together, arriving one after another without interr…

哀丝豪竹

āi sī háo zhú

This idiom describes stirring and emotionally powerful orchestral music. "Si" (丝) refers to stringed…

哀痛欲绝

āi tòng yù jué

To be so grief-stricken that one feels on the verge of death. It describes sorrow and anguish pushed…

安邦治国

ān bāng zhì guó

To bring stability and order to a nation through wise governance. The phrase describes the great und…

安份守己

ān fèn shǒu jǐ

To know one's place and abide by the law, behaving honestly and dutifully without overstepping bound…

安分守已

ān fěn shǒu jǐ

This idiom describes someone who is well-behaved, law-abiding, and stays within their proper bounds …

安家落户

ān jiā luò hù

To set up a home and establish residence in a new place, settling there permanently. It describes th…

安家立业

ān jiā lì yè

To settle down with a family and establish a career or business. It refers to living and working ste…

安良除暴

ān liáng chú bào

To comfort the kind and innocent while rooting out the cruel and tyrannical. It describes the duty o…

安神定魄

ān shén dìng pò

To pacify the mind and settle the spirit, restoring mental composure and clarity. It describes calmi…

安室利处

ān shì lì chù

A dwelling or location that is both secure and convenient. The idiom describes a place where one fee…

安身立命

ān shēn lì mìng

To settle down somewhere and establish one's life and spiritual purpose. It refers to having both ma…

安土重旧

ān tǔ zhòng jiù

To be attached to one's native land and reluctant to change old customs and traditions. It describes…

安土重迁

ān tǔ zhòng qiān

To be attached to one's homeland and reluctant to relocate. It describes people who prefer to stay r…

安危与共

ān wēi yǔ gòng

To share both safety and peril with one another. It describes a close relationship in which people's…

安宅正路

ān zhái zhèng lù

A metaphor for benevolence and righteousness. It describes dwelling in benevolence in one's heart an…

安坐待毙

ān zuò dài bì

To sit and await death without taking any action. It describes someone who refuses to actively seek …

安安稳稳

ān ān wěn wěn

This idiom describes a state of being completely stable, secure, and at ease. It conveys a sense of …

阿党比周

ē dǎng bǐ zhōu

To collude with others, show mutual favoritism, and form factions for private gain. It describes peo…

阿世盗名

ē shì dào míng

To pander to popular opinion or curry favor with the powerful in order to gain a false reputation. I…

恩荣并济

ēn róng bìng jì

To employ both favor and honor as complementary means of governance. It describes a strategy where k…

恩甚怨生

ēn shèn yuàn shēng

When excessive favor or kindness is bestowed, it paradoxically breeds resentment rather than gratitu…

恩威并重

ēn wēi bìng zhòng

To apply kindness and severity in equal measure. It describes a leadership or governance approach wh…

耳红面赤

ěr hóng miàn chì

The ears and face both turn red. It describes the flushed complexion that results from excessive exe…

耳目闭塞

ěr mù bì sāi

Literally meaning 'ears and eyes blocked,' this idiom describes someone who is poorly informed and i…

耳目股肱

ěr mù gǔ gōng

This idiom describes someone who serves as the sovereign's eyes, ears, and limbs—a trusted and capab…

耳满鼻满

ěr mǎn bí mǎn

Describes something heard so many times that it fills the ears and nose — meaning it has been drille…

耳闻目见

ěr wén mù jiàn

To hear with one's own ears and see with one's own eyes. It describes gaining knowledge through dire…

耳闻目击

ěr wén mù jī

To have both heard about something with one's own ears and seen it with one's own eyes. It emphasize…

鸥鹭忘机

ōu lù wàng jī

Describes a state where one harbors no deceit or ulterior motives, so even wild creatures feel at ea…

呕心抽肠

ǒu xīn chōu cháng

Describes extreme grief or overwhelming sorrow. The visceral image of vomiting out one's heart and d…