Chinese Cultural Idioms and Their Meanings241

Chinese culture is rich in idioms, which are concise phrases that convey a specific meaning or lesson. These idioms often draw upon historical events, literary works, or everyday experiences, and they play a vital role in Chinese communication and expression.

Bite the Bullet

Meaning: To endure something painful or difficult with determination.
Literal Translation: Close one's teeth and swallow the bullet.
Origin: A military term referring to the act of chewing on a bullet to withstand severe pain during battle.

Draw Water with a Bamboo Basket

Meaning: To engage in futile or inefficient efforts.
Literal Translation: Drawing water with a zhuo basket (a leaky bamboo basket).
Origin: A fable about a man who tries to draw water from a well using a bamboo basket, only to find that the water leaks out as fast as he pours it in.

Empty City Scheme

Meaning: To deceive or outwit an enemy by pretending to be vulnerable.
Literal Translation: Empty city strategy.
Origin: A story of military general Zhuge Liang, who defended an empty city against a superior enemy force by placing his fans on the city walls.

Frog at the Bottom of a Well

Meaning: To have a narrow or limited perspective.
Literal Translation: A frog at the bottom of the well only sees the sky as big as a lid.
Origin: A fable about a frog who lives in a well and believes that the sky is only as large as the opening of the well.

Grass is Greener on the Other Side

Meaning: To believe that things are better elsewhere, often ignoring the faults of one's own situation.
Literal Translation: The grass on the other side of the fence is always greener.
Origin: A saying that originated in Europe and later became popular in China.

Hit the Nail on the Head

Meaning: To accurately identify or express something.
Literal Translation: Hitting the nail on the head with one blow.
Origin: A common expression used to describe someone who precisely captures the essence of a matter.

Know Oneself and Know the Enemy

Meaning: To be aware of both one's own strengths and weaknesses and those of one's opponents.
Literal Translation: Know yourself and your enemy; you will not be defeated in a hundred battles.
Origin: A quote from the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning.

Paint the Snake and Add Its Feet

Meaning: To needlessly complicate or embellish something that is already complete.
Literal Translation: When painting a snake, add its feet.
Origin: A fable about a painter who was criticized for not adding feet to his painting of a snake.

Plan for the Worst and Hope for the Best

Meaning: To prepare for the worst possible outcome while remaining optimistic about the future.
Literal Translation: Prepare for danger in times of peace.
Origin: A Chinese proverb that emphasizes the importance of being prepared and staying alert.

To Cast Pearls Before Swine

Meaning: To waste valuable or precious things on someone who does not appreciate or understand their worth.
Literal Translation: Throwing pearls before pigs.
Origin: A Biblical parable that warns against giving valuable things to those who are undeserving.

2025-01-28

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