一不做，二不休 yībùzuò,èrbùxiū, don't do it, or don't rest (idiom); either give up, or go through to the end/Sin... 一个天南，一个地北 yīgetiānnán,yīgedìběi, [一個天南，一個地北], to live miles apart (idiom) 一人得道，鸡犬升天 yīréndédào,jīquǎnshēngtiān, [一人得道，雞犬升天], lit. when a man achieves the Dao, his poultry and dogs rise to Heaven (idiom)/fi... 一传十，十传百 yīchuánshí,shíchuánbǎi, [一傳十，十傳百], news pass quickly from mouth to mouth (idiom)/an infectious disease spreads quic... 一分耕耘，一分收获 yīfēngēngyún,yīfēnshōuhuò, [一分耕耘，一分收穫], you get what you put in/you reap what you sow 一则以喜，一则以忧 yīzéyǐxǐ,yīzéyǐyōu, [一則以喜，一則以憂], happy on the one hand, but worried on the other (idiom) 一夫当关，万夫莫开 yīfūdāngguān,wànfūmòkāi, [一夫當關，萬夫莫開], one man can hold the pass against ten thousand enemies (idiom) 一手交钱，一手交货 yīshǒujiāoqián,yīshǒujiāohuò, [一手交錢，一手交貨], lit. one hand exchanges the cash, the other the goods (idiom)/fig. to pay for wh... 一日不见，如隔三秋 yīrìbùjiàn,rúgésānqiū, [一日不見，如隔三秋], one day apart seems like three years (idiom) 一日为师，终身为父 yīrìwéishī,zhōngshēnwéifù, [一日為師，終身為父], lit. teacher for one day, father for ever (idiom) 一是一，二是二 yīshìyī,èrshìèr, lit. one is one, two is two (idiom)/fig. things are (or ought to be) perfectly c... 一次生，两次熟 yīcìshēng,liǎngcìshú, [一次生，兩次熟], unfamiliar at first but you get used to it/strangers are first meeting, but soon... 一波未平，一波又起 yībōwèipíng,yībōyòuqǐ, before the first wave subsides, a new wave rises (idiom); a new problem arises b... 一着不慎，满盘皆输 yīzhāobùshèn,mǎnpánjiēshū, [一著不慎，滿盤皆輸], One careless move and the whole game is lost. (idiom) 一而再，再而三 yīérzài,zàiérsān, again and again 一言既出，驷马难追 yīyánjìchū,sìmǎnánzhuī, [一言既出，駟馬難追], lit. once said, a team of horses cannot unsay it (idiom); a promise must be kept 万事俱备，只欠东风 wànshìjùbèi,zhǐqiàndōngfēng, [萬事俱備，只欠東風], lit. everything is ready, all we need is an east wind (idiom)/fig. lacking only ... 万事皆备，只欠东风 wànshìjiēbèi,zhǐqiàndōngfēng, [萬事皆備，只欠東風], everything is ready, all we need is an east wind (idiom)/lacking only one tiny c... 丈二和尚，摸不着头脑 zhàngèrhéshang,mōbuzháotóunǎo, [丈二和尚，摸不著頭腦], lit. like a three-meter high monk, you can't rub his head (idiom)/fig. at a tota... 三人行，则必有我师 sānrénxíng,zébìyǒuwǒshī, [三人行，則必有我師], If three walk together, one of them can teach me sth (Confucius) 三人行，必有我师 sānrénxíng,bìyǒuwǒshī, [三人行，必有我師], lit. if three walk together, one can be my teacher (idiom, from the Analects of ... 三十六计，走为上策 sānshíliùjì,zǒuwéishàngcè, [三十六計，走為上策], Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, fleeing is best./see also 三十六計|三十六计[sān shí liù jì... 三十六计，走为上计 sānshíliùjì,zǒuwéishàngjì, [三十六計，走為上計], see 三十六計，走為上策|三十六计，走为上策[sān shí liù jì , zǒu wéi shàng cè] 三天不打，上房揭瓦 sāntiānbùdǎ,shàngfángjiēwǎ, three days without a beating, and a child will scale the roof to rip the tiles (... 三天打鱼，两天晒网 sāntiāndǎyú,liǎngtiānshàiwǎng, [三天打魚，兩天曬網], lit. to fish for three days and sun-dry the nets for two days (proverb)/fig. not... 上一次当，学一次乖 shàngyīcìdàng,xuéyīcìguāi, [上一次當，學一次乖], to take sth as a lesson for next time (idiom)/once bitten, twice shy 上天无路，入地无门 shàngtiānwúlù,rùdìwúmén, [上天無路，入地無門], lit. there is no road to the sky, nor door into the earth (idiom)/fig. to be at ... 上有天堂，下有苏杭 shàngyǒutiāntáng,xiàyǒuSūHáng, [上有天堂，下有蘇杭], lit. there is heaven above, and there is 蘇杭|苏杭[Sū Háng] below (idiom)/fig. the b... 上有政策，下有对策 shàngyǒuzhèngcè,xiàyǒuduìcè, [上有政策，下有對策], The higher ups have policies while the lower downs have their own ways of gettin... 不以物喜，不以己悲 bùyǐwùxǐ,bùyǐjǐbēi, not to become attached to material things, not to pity oneself 不以规矩，不能成方圆 bùyǐguīju,bùnéngchéngfāngyuán, [不以規矩，不能成方圓], without rules, nothing can be done (idiom, from Mencius); one must follow some r... 不入虎穴，焉得虎子 bùrùhǔxué,yāndéhǔzǐ, How do you catch the tiger cub without entering the tiger's lair? (idiom); Nothi... 不孝有三，无后为大 bùxiàoyǒusān,wúhòuwéidà, [不孝有三，無後為大], There are three ways to be unfilial; having no sons is the worst. (citation from... 不干不净，吃了没病 bùgānbùjìng,chīleméibìng, [不乾不淨，吃了沒病], a little dirt never killed anybody (proverb)/a couple of germs won't do you any ... 不怕一万，就怕万一 bùpàyīwàn,jiùpàwànyī, [不怕一萬，就怕萬一], better to be safe than sorry (proverb)/to be prepared just in case 不怕官，只怕管 bùpàguān,zhǐpàguǎn, lit. it is not an official to be feared, but a person in direct control over sb ... 不怕慢，就怕站 bùpàmàn,jiùpàzhàn, it's better to make slow progress than no progress at all (proverb) 不求有功，但求无过 bùqiúyǒugōng,dànqiúwúguò, [不求有功，但求無過], lit. not aiming to achieve the best possible result, but rather trying to avoid ... 不经一事，不长一智 bùjīngyīshì,bùzhǎngyīzhì, [不經一事，不長一智], You can't gain knowledge without practical experience (idiom); wisdom only comes... 不自由，毋宁死 bùzìyóu,wúnìngsǐ, [不自由，毋寧死], give me liberty or give me death 与人方便，自己方便 yǔrénfāngbiàn,zìjǐfāngbiàn, [與人方便，自己方便], Help others, and others may help you (idiom). 两国相争，不斩来使 liǎngguóxiāngzhēng,bùzhǎnláishǐ, [兩國相爭，不斬來使], when two kingdoms are at war, they don't execute envoys (idiom) 两虎相争，必有一伤 liǎnghǔxiāngzhēng,bìyǒuyīshāng, [兩虎相爭，必有一傷], if two tigers fight, one will get injured (idiom)/if you start a war, someone is... 两虎相斗，必有一伤 liǎnghǔxiāngdòu,bìyǒuyīshāng, [兩虎相鬥，必有一傷], when two tigers fight, one will get injured (idiom)/if it comes to a fight, some... 为富不仁，为仁不富 wéifùbùrén,wéirénbùfù, [為富不仁，為仁不富], the benevolent man cannot be rich and vice versa (idiom, from Mencius). It is ea... 事不关己，高高挂起 shìbùguānjǐ,gāogāoguàqǐ, [事不關己，高高掛起], to feel unconcerned and let matters rest (idiom) 二虎相斗，必有一伤 èrhǔxiāngdòu,bìyǒuyīshāng, [二虎相鬥，必有一傷], lit. when two tigers fight, one is sure to be wounded (idiom)/fig. if it comes t... 亲兄弟，明算帐 qīnxiōngdì,míngsuànzhàng, [親兄弟，明算帳], even with your own brother, keep clear accounts (idiom) 人不为己，天诛地灭 rénbùwèijǐ,tiānzhūdìmiè, [人不為己，天誅地滅], Look out for yourself, or heaven and earth will combine to destroy you./Every ma... 人为刀俎，我为鱼肉 rénwéidāozǔ,wǒwéiyúròu, [人為刀俎，我為魚肉], lit. to be the meat on sb's chopping block (idiom)/fig. to be at sb's mercy 人为财死，鸟为食亡 rénwèicáisǐ,niǎowèishíwáng, [人為財死，鳥為食亡], lit. human beings will die for riches, just as birds will for food (idiom)/fig. ... 人之初，性本善 rénzhīchū,xìngběnshàn, man at birth is fundamentally good in nature/the first two lines of Three Charac... 人之将死，其言也善 rénzhījiāngsǐ,qíyányěshàn, [人之將死，其言也善], words of a man on his deathbed always come from the heart (proverb) 人在江湖，身不由己 rénzàijiānghú,shēnbùyóujǐ, you can't always do as you like/one has to compromise in this world (idiom) 人外有人，天外有天 rénwàiyǒurén,tiānwàiyǒutiān, in the wider world there are people more talented than oneself (idiom) 人无远虑，必有近忧 rénwúyuǎnlǜ,bìyǒujìnyōu, [人無遠慮，必有近憂], He who gives no thought to far-flung problems soon finds suffering nearby (idiom... 人有失手，马有失蹄 rényǒushīshǒu,mǎyǒushītí, [人有失手，馬有失蹄], lit. just as humans make mistakes, so can a horse stumble (idiom)/fig. everyone ... 人比人，气死人 rénbǐrén,qìsǐrén, [人比人，氣死人], constantly comparing oneself to others will only make one angry (proverb) 人生一世，草木一春 rénshēngyīshì,cǎomùyīchūn, Man has but one life, grass but one spring (idiom). fig. the brevity of human ex... 人生短暂，学术无涯 rénshēngduǎnzàn,xuéshùwúyá, [人生短暫，學術無涯], Life is short, learning is limitless/Ars longa, vita brevis 仁者见仁，智者见智 rénzhějiànrén,zhìzhějiànzhì, [仁者見仁，智者見智], The benevolent sees benevolence, the wise sees wisdom./Different views are admis... 仇人相见，分外眼红 chóurénxiāngjiàn,fènwàiyǎnhóng, [仇人相見，分外眼紅], when the enemies come face to face, their eyes blaze with hatred (idiom) 从善如登，从恶如崩 cóngshànrúdēng,cóngèrúbēng, [從善如登，從惡如崩], doing good is like a hard climb, doing evil is like an easy fall (idiom) 以子之矛，攻子之盾 yǐzǐzhīmáo,gōngzǐzhīdùn, lit. use sb's spear to attack his shield (idiom, derived from Han Feizi 韓非子|韩非子)... 以直报怨，以德报德 yǐzhíbàoyuàn,yǐdébàodé, [以直報怨，以德報德], to repay kindness with kindness, and repay enmity with justice (idiom, from Anal... 以眼还眼，以牙还牙 yǐyǎnhuányǎn,yǐyáhuányá, [以眼還眼，以牙還牙], an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (idiom)/fig. to use the enemy's methods a... 以言代法，以权压法 yǐyándàifǎ,yǐquányāfǎ, [以言代法，以權壓法], to substitute one's words for the law and abuse power to crush it (idiom); compl... 兄弟阋于墙，外御其侮 xiōngdìxìyúqiáng,wàiyùqíwǔ, [兄弟鬩於墻，外禦其侮], internal disunity dissolves at the threat of an invasion from outside (idiom) 八仙过海，各显其能 Bāxiānguòhǎi,gèxiǎnqínéng, [八仙過海，各顯其能], see 八仙過海，各顯神通|八仙过海，各显神通[Bā xiān guò hǎi , gè xiǎn shén tōng] 八仙过海，各显神通 Bāxiānguòhǎi,gèxiǎnshéntōng, [八仙過海，各顯神通], lit. the Eight Immortals cross the sea, each showing his own special talent (idi... 关关难过，关关过 guānguānnánguò,guānguānguò, [關關難過，關關過], to meet with great difficulties but pull through 兵来将挡，水来土掩 bīngláijiàngdǎng,shuǐláitǔyǎn, [兵來將擋，水來土掩], counter soldiers with arms, water with an earth weir (idiom); different situatio... 兵来将敌，水来土堰 bīngláijiàngdí,shuǐláitǔyàn, [兵來將敵，水來土堰], counter soldiers with arms, water with an earth weir (idiom); different situatio... 兵马未动，粮草先行 bīngmǎwèidòng,liángcǎoxiānxíng, [兵馬未動，糧草先行], before the troops move, fodder and provisions go first (idiom); logistics comes ... 养兵千日，用兵一时 yǎngbīngqiānrì,yòngbīngyīshí, [養兵千日，用兵一時], lit. Train an army for a thousand days to use it for an hour. (idiom); fig. exte... 养兵千日，用在一时 yǎngbīngqiānrì,yòngzàiyīshí, [養兵千日，用在一時], see 養兵千日，用兵一時|养兵千日，用兵一时[yǎng bīng qiān rì , yòng bīng yī shí] 养兵千日，用在一朝 yǎngbīngqiānrì,yòngzàiyīzhāo, [養兵千日，用在一朝], lit. train an army for a thousand days to use it for one morning (idiom)/fig. ex... 冤有头，债有主 yuānyǒutóu,zhàiyǒuzhǔ, [冤有頭，債有主], for every grievance someone is responsible, for every debt there is a debtor (id... 冰冻三尺，非一日之寒 bīngdòngsānchǐ,fēiyīrìzhīhán, [冰凍三尺，非一日之寒], three feet of ice does not form in a single day (idiom); Rome wasn't built in a ... 冰炭不言，冷热自明 bīngtànbùyán,lěngrèzìmíng, [冰炭不言，冷熱自明], ice or coals, whether hot or cold goes without saying (idiom); fig. sincerity is... 出其不意，攻其不备 chūqíbùyì,gōngqíbùbèi, [出其不意，攻其不備], to catch an enemy off guard with a surprise attack (idiom, from Sunzi's "The Art... 出满勤，干满点 chūmǎnqín,gànmǎndiǎn, [出滿勤，幹滿點], to be assiduous and work full hours 刀子嘴巴，豆腐心 dāozizuǐba,dòufuxīn, lit. knife mouth but heart of bean curd; sharp tongue concealing a caring heart 刀子嘴，豆腐心 dāozizuǐ,dòufuxīn, to have a sharp tongue but a soft heart (idiom) 分久必合，合久必分 fēnjiǔbìhé,héjiǔbìfēn, lit. that which is long divided must unify, and that which is long unified must ... 前不巴村，后不巴店 qiánbùbācūn,hòubùbādiàn, [前不巴村，後不巴店], see 前不著村，後不著店|前不着村，后不着店[qián bù zháo cūn , hòu bù zháo diàn] 前不着村，后不着店 qiánbùzháocūn,hòubùzháodiàn, [前不著村，後不著店], lit. no village ahead and no inn behind (idiom)/fig. to be stranded in the middl... 前事不忘，后事之师 qiánshìbùwàng,hòushìzhīshī, [前事不忘，後事之師], don't forget past events, they can guide you in future (idiom); benefit from pas... 前人栽树，后人乘凉 qiánrénzāishù,hòurénchéngliáng, [前人栽樹，後人乘涼], to enjoy the benefits of the hard work of one's predecessors. (idiom) 前车之覆，后车之鉴 qiánchēzhīfù,hòuchēzhījiàn, [前車之覆，後車之鑒], lit. the cart in front overturns, a warning to the following cart (idiom); fig. ... 前门打虎，后门打狼 qiánméndǎhǔ,hòuméndǎláng, [前門打虎，後門打狼], to beat a tiger from the front door, only to have a wolf come in at the back (id... 前门拒虎，后门进狼 qiánménjùhǔ,hòuménjìnláng, [前門拒虎，後門進狼], to beat a tiger from the front door, only to have a wolf come in at the back (id... 十年树木，百年树人 shíniánshùmù,bǎiniánshùrén, [十年樹木，百年樹人], It takes ten years to nurture a tree, but a hundred years to train a man (idiom)... 千军易得，一将难求 qiānjūnyìdé,yījiàngnánqiú, [千軍易得，一將難求], Easy to raise an army of one thousand, but hard to find a good general. (idiom) 千里之堤，溃于蚁穴 qiānlǐzhīdī,kuìyúyǐxué, [千里之堤，潰於蟻穴], an ant hole may cause the collapse of a great dike (idiom)/huge damage may resul... 千里之行，始于足下 qiānlǐzhīxíng,shǐyúzúxià, [千里之行，始於足下], lit. a thousand mile journey begins with the first step/fig. big accomplishments... 卑之，无甚高论 bēizhī,wúshèngāolùn, [卑之，無甚高論], my opinion, nothing very involved (idiom, humble expression); my humble point is... 卑之，毋甚高论 bēizhī,wúshèngāolùn, [卑之，毋甚高論], my opinion, nothing very involved (idiom, humble expression); my humble point is... 及时处理，事半功倍 jíshíchǔlǐ,shìbàngōngbèi, [及時處理，事半功倍], timely handling doubles the effect and halves the effort/the right approach save... 取之不尽，用之不竭 qǔzhībùjìn,yòngzhībùjié, [取之不盡，用之不竭], limitless supply (of)/inexhaustible 取其精华，去其糟粕 qǔqíjīnghuá,qùqízāopò, [取其精華，去其糟粕], take the cream, discard the dross (political and educational slogan)/keep what i... 只可意会，不可言传 zhǐkěyìhuì,bùkěyánchuán, [只可意會，不可言傳], can be understood, but not described (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); mysterious an... 只知其一，不知其二 zhǐzhīqíyī,bùzhīqíèr, to know the first, but not know the second (idiom); only partial information 可以意会，不可言传 kěyǐyìhuì,bùkěyánchuán, [可以意會，不可言傳], can be understood, but not described (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); mysterious an... 吃一堑，长一智 chīyīqiàn,zhǎngyīzhì, [吃一塹，長一智], Fall into the moat and you'll be wiser next time (idiom); One only learns from o... 吃着碗里，看着锅里 chīzhewǎnlǐ,kànzheguōlǐ, [吃著碗裡，看著鍋裡], lit. eyeing what's in the pot as one eats from one's bowl (idiom)/not content wi... 吃着碗里，瞧着锅里 chīzhewǎnlǐ,qiáozheguōlǐ, [吃著碗裡，瞧著鍋裡], see 吃著碗裡，看著鍋裡|吃着碗里，看着锅里[chī zhe wǎn lǐ , kàn zhe guō lǐ] 君子一言，驷马难追 jūnzǐyīyán,sìmǎnánzhuī, [君子一言，駟馬難追], a nobleman's word is his bond (proverb) 君子报仇，十年不晚 jūnzibàochóu,shíniánbùwǎn, [君子報仇，十年不晚], lit. for a nobleman to take revenge, ten years is not too long (idiom)/fig. reve... 听话听声，锣鼓听音 tīnghuàtīngshēng,luógǔtīngyīn, [聽話聽聲，鑼鼓聽音], to understand the unspoken implications (idiom) 呼之即来，挥之即去 hūzhījílái,huīzhījíqù, [呼之即來，揮之即去], to come when called (idiom); ready and compliant/always at sb's beck and call 和尚打伞，无法无天 héshangdǎsǎn,wúfǎwútiān, [和尚打傘，無法無天], lit. like a monk holding an umbrella — no hair, no sky (idiom) (punning on 髮|发[f... 善有善报，恶有恶报 shànyǒushànbào,èyǒuèbào, [善有善報，惡有惡報], virtue has its reward, evil its retribution 嘴上无毛，办事不牢 zuǐshàngwúmáo,bànshìbùláo, [嘴上無毛，辦事不牢], see 嘴上沒毛，辦事不牢|嘴上没毛，办事不牢[zuǐ shàng méi máo , bàn shì bù láo] 嘴上没毛，办事不牢 zuǐshàngméimáo,bànshìbùláo, [嘴上沒毛，辦事不牢], a youth without facial hair cannot be relied upon (proverb) 四体不勤，五谷不分 sìtǐbùqín,wǔgǔbùfēn, [四體不勤，五穀不分], never move your four limbs, can't distinguish the five crops (idiom); living as ... 国家兴亡，匹夫有责 guójiāxīngwáng,pǐfūyǒuzé, [國家興亡，匹夫有責], The rise and fall of the nation concerns everyone (idiom). Everyone bears respon... 城门失火，殃及池鱼 chéngménshīhuǒ,yāngjíchíyú, [城門失火，殃及池魚], a fire in the city gates is also a calamity for the fish in the moat (idiom); th... 大事化小，小事化了 dàshìhuàxiǎo,xiǎoshìhuàliǎo, to turn big problems into small ones, and small problems into no problems at all... 大勇若怯，大智若愚 dàyǒngruòqiè,dàzhìruòyú, a great hero may appear timid, the wise may appear stupid (idiom); the general p... 大处着眼，小处着手 dàchùzhuóyǎn,xiǎochùzhuóshǒu, [大處著眼，小處著手], think of the big picture, start with the little things (idiom) 大难不死，必有后福 dànànbùsǐ,bìyǒuhòufú, [大難不死，必有後福], one is bound for good fortune after surviving a great disaster (proverb) 天下兴亡，匹夫有责 tiānxiàxīngwáng,pǐfūyǒuzé, [天下興亡，匹夫有責], The rise and fall of the nation concerns everyone (idiom). Everyone bears respon... 天低吴楚，眼空无物 tiāndīWúChǔ,yǎnkōngwúwù, [天低吳楚，眼空無物], the sky hangs low over the Yangtze, empty as far as the eye can see (idiom); not... 天外有天，人外有人 tiānwàiyǒutiān,rénwàiyǒurén, see 人外有人，天外有天[rén wài yǒu rén , tiān wài yǒu tiān] 天网恢恢，疏而不失 tiānwǎnghuīhuī,shūérbùshī, [天網恢恢，疏而不失], lit. heaven's net has wide meshes, but nothing escapes it (idiom, from Laozi 73)... 天网恢恢，疏而不漏 tiānwǎnghuīhuī,shūérbùlòu, [天網恢恢，疏而不漏], lit. heaven's net has wide meshes, but nothing escapes it (idiom, from Laozi 73)... 天要落雨，娘要嫁人 tiānyàoluòyǔ,niángyàojiàrén, the rain will fall, the womenfolk will marry (idiom)/fig. the natural order of t... 太公钓鱼，愿者上钩 tàigōngdiàoyú,yuànzhěshànggōu, [太公釣魚，願者上鉤], Jiang Ziya is fishing, if you want take the hook (idiom, refers to early sage 姜子... 失之东隅，收之桑榆 shīzhīdōngyú,shōuzhīsāngyú, [失之東隅，收之桑榆], to lose at sunrise but gain at sunset (idiom)/to compensate later for one's earl... 失之毫厘，差之千里 shīzhīháolí,chàzhīqiānlǐ, [失之毫釐，差之千里], a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to ... 失之毫厘，差以千里 shīzhīháolí,chàyǐqiānlǐ, [失之毫釐，差以千里], a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to ... 失之毫厘，谬以千里 shīzhīháolí,miùyǐqiānlǐ, [失之毫厘，謬以千里], a tiny lapse can lead to a huge mistake (idiom); a minor discrepancy leading to ... 头悬梁，锥刺股 tóuxuánliáng,zhuīcìgǔ, [頭懸梁，錐刺股], lit. with his head attached to a beam and stabbing his thigh with an awl (idiom)... 头痛医头，脚痛医脚 tóutòngyītóu,jiǎotòngyījiǎo, [頭痛醫頭，腳痛醫腳], to treat the symptoms rather than getting to the root of the problem (proverb)/r... 好借好还，再借不难 hǎojièhǎohuán,zàijièbùnán, [好借好還，再借不難], see 有借有還，再借不難|有借有还，再借不难 [yǒu jiè yǒu huán , zài jiè bù nán] 好好学习，天天向上 hǎohǎoxuéxí,tiāntiānxiàngshàng, [好好學習，天天向上], study hard and every day you will improve (idiom) 如人饮水，冷暖自知 rúrényǐnshuǐ,lěngnuǎnzìzhī, [如人飲水，冷暖自知], the person who drinks it knows best whether the water is hot or cold (Zen prover... 姜太公钓鱼，愿者上钩 Jiāngtàigōngdiàoyú,yuànzhěshànggōu, [姜太公釣魚，願者上鉤], Jiang Ziya is fishing, if you want it, take the hook (idiom, refers to early sag... 嫁鸡随鸡，嫁狗随狗 jiàjīsuíjī,jiàgǒusuígǒu, [嫁雞隨雞，嫁狗隨狗], if you marry a chicken follow the chicken, if you marry a dog follow the dog (id... 学而不厌，诲人不倦 xuéérbùyàn,huìrénbùjuàn, [學而不厭，誨人不倦], study tirelessly, teach with endless enthusiasm (idiom, from Analects) 宁为玉碎，不为瓦全 nìngwéiyùsuì,bùwéiwǎquán, [寧為玉碎，不為瓦全], Better broken jade than intact tile./Death is preferable to dishonor. (idiom) 宁为鸡头，不为凤尾 nìngwéijītóu,bùwéifèngwěi, [寧為雞頭，不為鳳尾], see 寧做雞頭，不做鳳尾|宁做鸡头，不做凤尾[nìng zuò jī tóu , bù zuò fèng wěi] 宁做鸡头，不做凤尾 nìngzuòjītóu,bùzuòfèngwěi, [寧做雞頭，不做鳳尾], lit. would rather be a chicken's head than a phoenix's tail (idiom)/fig. to pref... 守株待兔，缘木求鱼 shǒuzhūdàitù,yuánmùqiúyú, [守株待兔，緣木求魚], to guard a tree-stump, waiting for rabbits, and climb a tree to catch fish (idio... 家累千金，坐不垂堂 jiālěiqiānjīn,zuòbùchuítáng, lit. a wealthy person does not sit under the eaves (idiom); fig. a rich man does... 小作怡情，大作伤身 xiǎozuòyíqíng,dàzuòshāngshēn, [小作怡情，大作傷身], a little bit of it does one good, but carried to excess it's harmful (idiom) 小时了了，大未必佳 xiǎoshíliǎoliǎo,dàwèibìjiā, [小時了了，大未必佳], being bright at an early age does not necessarily bring success upon growing up ... 小洞不堵，大洞受苦 xiǎodòngbùdǔ,dàdòngshòukǔ, A small hole not plugged will make you suffer a big hole (idiom); A stitch in ti... 小洞不堵，大洞吃苦 xiǎodòngbùdǔ,dàdòngchīkǔ, a small hole not plugged will give you grief when it gets bigger (idiom)/a stitc... 小洞不堵，大洞难补 xiǎodòngbùdǔ,dàdòngnánbǔ, [小洞不堵，大洞難補], If you don't plug the small hole, the big hole will be hard to repair (idiom); A... 尺有所短，寸有所长 chǐyǒusuǒduǎn,cùnyǒusuǒcháng, [尺有所短，寸有所長], lit. for some things a foot may be too short, and for the other an inch will suf... 山外有山，天外有天 shānwàiyǒushān,tiānwàiyǒutiān, (idiom) however good sth is, there is always sth better/in the wider world there... 左耳入，右耳出 zuǒěrrù,yòuěrchū, in one ear and out the other 差之毫厘，失之千里 chāzhīháolí,shīzhīqiānlǐ, [差之毫釐，失之千里], the slightest difference leads to a huge loss (idiom)/a miss is as good as a mil... 差之毫厘，谬以千里 chāzhīháolí,miùyǐqiānlǐ, [差之毫釐，謬以千里], the slightest difference leads to a huge error (idiom)/a miss is as good as a mi... 己所不欲，勿施于人 jǐsuǒbùyù,wùshīyúrén, [己所不欲，勿施於人], What you don't want done to you, don't do to others. (idiom, from the Confucian ... 干打雷，不下雨 gāndǎléi,bùxiàyǔ, [乾打雷，不下雨], all thunder but no rain (idiom)/a lot of noise but no action 幼吾幼，以及人之幼 yòuwúyòu,yǐjírénzhīyòu, to care for other's children as one's own 张家长，李家短 Zhāngjiācháng,Lǐjiāduǎn, [張家長，李家短], lit. the Zhangs are better off than the Lis (idiom); to gossip about the neighbo... 当局者迷，旁观者清 dāngjúzhěmí,pángguānzhěqīng, [當局者迷，旁觀者清], The person on the spot is baffled, the onlooker sees clear (idiom). The onlooker... 得道多助，失道寡助 dédàoduōzhù,shīdàoguǎzhù, A just cause attracts much support, an unjust one finds little (idiom, from Menc... 心有余，力不足 xīnyǒuyú,lìbùzú, [心有餘，力不足], The will is there, but not the strength (idiom, from Confucian Analects)./I real... 意存笔先，画尽意在 yìcúnbǐxiān,huàjìnyìzài, [意存筆先，畫盡意在], the idea is present before the first stroke of the brush, when the last stroke i... 成也萧何，败也萧何 chéngyěXiāoHé,bàiyěXiāoHé, [成也蕭何，敗也蕭何], lit. raised up by Xiao He, cast down by Xiao He (idiom), alluding to Han Xin 韓信|... 成事不足，败事有余 chéngshìbùzú,bàishìyǒuyú, [成事不足，敗事有餘], unable to accomplish anything but liable to spoil everything (idiom)/unable to d... 成则为王，败则为寇 chéngzéwéiwáng,bàizéwéikòu, [成則為王，敗則為寇], lit. called a king if successful, called a bandit if defeated (idiom)/fig. loser... 成者为王，败者为寇 chéngzhěwéiwáng,bàizhěwéikòu, [成者為王，敗者為寇], see 成則為王，敗則為寇|成则为王，败则为寇[chéng zé wéi wáng , bài zé wéi kòu] 战无不胜，攻无不克 zhànwúbùshèng,gōngwúbùkè, [戰無不勝，攻無不克], to triumph in every battle and win every fight (idiom); all-conquering/ever vict... 战无不胜，攻无不取 zhànwúbùshèng,gōngwúbùqǔ, [戰無不勝，攻無不取], to triumph in every battle and win every fight (idiom); all-conquering/ever vict... 打一巴掌，给个甜枣 dǎyībāzhang,gěigètiánzǎo, [打一巴掌，給個甜棗], lit. to give sb a slap, then offer a sweet date (idiom)/fig. to deal with sb har... 打蛇不死，后患无穷 dǎshébùsǐ,hòuhuànwúqióng, [打蛇不死，後患無窮], if you beat the snake without killing it, endless evils will ensue (idiom) 指挥有方，人人乐从 zhǐhuīyǒufāng,rénrénlècóng, [指揮有方，人人樂從], Command right and you will be obeyed cheerfully. (idiom) 攻无不克，战无不胜 gōngwúbùkè,zhànwúbùshèng, [攻無不克，戰無不勝], to triumph in every battle and win every fight (idiom); all-conquering/ever vict... 放下屠刀，立地成佛 fàngxiàtúdāo,lìdìchéngfó, lay down butcher's knife, become a Buddha on the spot (idiom); instant rehabilit... 无事献殷勤，非奸即盗 wúshìxiànyīnqín,fēijiānjídào, [無事獻殷勤，非姦即盜], one who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding evil intentions (idiom) 既来之，则安之 jìláizhī,zéānzhī, [既來之，則安之], Since they have come, we should make them comfortable (idiom). Since we're here,... 日出而作，日入而息 rìchūérzuò,rìrùérxī, lit. to get up at sunrise and work until sunset (proverb)/fig. to lead a plain a... 旧的不去，新的不来 jiùdebùqù,xīndebùlái, [舊的不去，新的不來], lit. If the old doesn't go, the new will not come./You can't make progress by cl... 早动手，早收获 zǎodòngshǒu,zǎoshōuhuò, [早動手，早收穫], The sooner you set to work, the sooner you'll reap the rewards. (idiom) 时代不同，风尚不同 shídàibùtóng,fēngshàngbùtóng, [時代不同，風尚不同], customs change with time (idiom); other times, other manners/O Tempora, O Mores! 明修栈道，暗渡陈仓 míngxiūzhàndào,àndùChéncāng, [明修棧道，暗渡陳倉], lit. repair the plank road by day while secretly crossing the Wei River 渭河[Wèi H... 明枪好躲，暗箭难防 míngqiānghǎoduǒ,ànjiànnánfáng, [明槍好躲，暗箭難防], lit. easy to dodge the spear in the open, hard to avoid a stab in the dark (idio... 明枪易躲，暗箭难防 míngqiāngyìduǒ,ànjiànnánfáng, [明槍易躲，暗箭難防], lit. easy to dodge the spear in the open, hard to avoid a stab in the dark (idio... 星星之火，可以燎原 xīngxingzhīhuǒ,kěyǐliáoyuán, a single spark can start a huge blaze (idiom); an insignificant cause can have a... 是可忍，孰不可忍 shìkěrěn,shúbùkěrěn, if this can be tolerated, what cannot? (idiom)/enough is enough 智者千虑，必有一失 zhìzhěqiānlǜ,bìyǒuyīshī, [智者千慮，必有一失], lit. a wise person reflecting a thousand times can still make a mistake (idiom);... 有借有还，再借不难 yǒujièyǒuhuán,zàijièbùnán, [有借有還，再借不難], return what you borrowed on time, you may borrow again next time (idiom) 有其师，必有其徒 yǒuqíshī,bìyǒuqítú, [有其師，必有其徒], As the teacher, so the pupil. (idiom) 有则改之，无则加勉 yǒuzégǎizhī,wúzéjiāmiǎn, [有則改之，無則加勉], correct any mistakes you made, but maintain your good record if you did not make... 有福同享，有祸同当 yǒufútóngxiǎng,yǒuhuòtóngdāng, [有福同享，有禍同當], To enjoy blessings and endure misfortune together (idiom); for better or for wor... 有福同享，有难同当 yǒufútóngxiǎng,yǒunàntóngdāng, [有福同享，有難同當], To enjoy blessings and endure misfortune together (idiom); for better or for wor... 机不可失，失不再来 jībùkěshī,shībùzàilái, [機不可失，失不再來], opportunity knocks but once (idiom) 机不可失，时不再来 jībùkěshī,shíbùzàilái, [機不可失，時不再來], Opportunity knocks but once. (idiom) 来得容易，去得快 láideróngyì,qùdekuài, [來得容易，去得快], Easy come, easy go. (idiom) 来无影，去无踪 láiwúyǐng,qùwúzōng, [來無影，去無蹤], lit. come without a shadow, leave without a footprint (idiom); to come and go wi... 来者不善，善者不来 láizhěbùshàn,shànzhěbùlái, [來者不善，善者不來], He who comes is surely ill-intentioned, no-one well-meaning will come (idiom)./B... 林子大了，什么鸟都有 línzidàle,shénmeniǎodōuyǒu, [林子大了，什麼鳥都有], it takes all sorts (to make a world) (idiom) 树高千丈，叶落归根 shùgāoqiānzhàng,yèluòguīgēn, [樹高千丈，葉落歸根], fig. a tree may grow a thousand zhang high, but its leaves return to their roots... 树高千丈，落叶归根 shùgāoqiānzhàng,luòyèguīgēn, [樹高千丈，落葉歸根], see 樹高千丈，葉落歸根|树高千丈，叶落归根[shù gāo qiān zhàng , yè luò guī gēn] 欲加之罪，何患无辞 yùjiāzhīzuì,héhuànwúcí, [欲加之罪，何患無辭], If you want to condemn sb, don't worry about the pretext (idiom, from Zuozhuan 左... 欲善其事，必先利其器 yùshànqíshì,bìxiānlìqíqì, To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools (idiom). Good tools are prereq... 水能载舟，亦能覆舟 shuǐnéngzàizhōu,yìnéngfùzhōu, [水能載舟，亦能覆舟], lit. water may keep the boat afloat but may also sink it (proverb)/fig. the peop... 江山易改，本性难移 jiāngshānyìgǎi,běnxìngnányí, [江山易改，本性難移], it is easier to change mountains and rivers than to alter one's character (idiom... 没有规矩，不成方圆 méiyǒuguīju,bùchéngfāngyuán, [沒有規矩，不成方圓], without rules, nothing can be done (idiom); one must follow some rules 没有规矩，何以成方圆 méiyǒuguīju,héyǐchéngfāngyuán, [沒有規矩，何以成方圓], without rules, how can anything be done (idiom); one must follow some rules 法网灰灰，疏而不漏 fǎwǎnghuīhuī,shūérbùlòu, [法網灰灰，疏而不漏], The net of justice is wide, but no-one escapes. 泥菩萨过江，自身难保 nípúsàguòjiāng,zìshēnnánbǎo, [泥菩薩過江，自身難保], like a clay Bodhisattva fording a river, can't guarantee his own safety/unable t... 活到老，学到老 huódàolǎo,xuédàolǎo, [活到老，學到老], One is never too old to learn. (idiom) 流水不腐，户枢不蠹 liúshuǐbùfǔ,hùshūbùdù, [流水不腐，戶樞不蠹], lit. flowing water does not rot, nor a door-hinge rust (idiom)/fig. constant act... 满招损，谦受益 mǎnzhāosǔn,qiānshòuyì, [滿招損，謙受益], (idiom) complacency leads to loss, modesty brings profit/pride comes before a fa... 烽烟四起，战火纷飞 fēngyānsìqǐ,zhànhuǒfēnfēi, [烽煙四起，戰火紛飛], lit. fire beacons in all four directions (idiom); the confusion of war 爱美之心，人皆有之 àiměizhīxīn,rénjiēyǒuzhī, [愛美之心，人皆有之], everyone loves beauty (idiom) 牡丹虽好，全仗绿叶扶 mǔdansuīhǎo,quánzhànglǜyèfú, [牡丹雖好，全仗綠葉扶], Although the peony is beautiful, it depends entirely on help from the green leav... 物以类聚，人以群分 wùyǐlèijù,rényǐqúnfēn, [物以類聚，人以群分], Similar things group together, similar people fit together (idiom); Birds of a f... 王婆卖瓜，自卖自夸 wángpómàiguā,zìmàizìkuā, [王婆賣瓜，自賣自誇], every potter praises his own pot (idiom)/all one's geese are swans 瓜无滚圆，人无十全 guāwúgǔnyuán,rénwúshíquán, [瓜無滾圓，人無十全], no gourd is perfectly round, just as no man is perfect (proverb) 生于忧患，死于安乐 shēngyúyōuhuàn,sǐyúānlè, [生於憂患，死於安樂], to thrive in calamity and perish in soft living (idiom)/life springs from sorrow... 生命不息，战斗不止 shēngmìngbùxī,zhàndòubùzhǐ, [生命不息，戰鬥不止], while there is life, the fight continues (idiom); to fight to the last 甲之蜜糖，乙之砒霜 jiǎzhīmìtáng,yǐzhīpīshuāng, one man's meat is another man's poison (idiom) 男人不坏，女人不爱 nánrénbùhuài,nǚrénbùài, [男人不壞，女人不愛], women love bad guys 病从口入，祸从口出 bìngcóngkǒurù,huòcóngkǒuchū, [病從口入，禍從口出], Illness enters by the mouth, trouble comes out by the mouth (idiom). A loose ton... 百尺竿头，更尽一步 bǎichǐgāntóu,gèngjìnyībù, [百尺竿頭，更盡一步], lit. hundred foot pole, progress still further (idiom); fig. much accomplished, ... 百花齐放，百家争鸣 bǎihuāqífàng,bǎijiāzhēngmíng, [百花齊放，百家爭鳴], a hundred flowers bloom, a hundred schools of thought contend (idiom); refers to... 看菜吃饭，量体裁衣 kāncàichīfàn,liángtǐcáiyī, [看菜吃飯，量體裁衣], eat depending on the dish, cut cloth according to the body (idiom); to fit the a... 眼不见，心不烦 yǎnbùjiàn,xīnbùfán, [眼不見，心不煩], what the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over (idiom) 眼中钉，肉中刺 yǎnzhōngdīng,ròuzhōngcì, [眼中釘，肉中刺], a thorn in one's side 眼见为实，耳听为虚 yǎnjiànwéishí,ěrtīngwéixū, [眼見為實，耳聽為虛], to believe what one sees, not what one hears (idiom). Don't believe what people ... 眼观四处，耳听八方 yǎnguānsìchù,ěrtīngbāfāng, [眼觀四處，耳聽八方], see 眼觀四面，耳聽八方|眼观四面，耳听八方[yǎn guān sì miàn , ěr tīng bā fāng] 眼观四面，耳听八方 yǎnguānsìmiàn,ěrtīngbāfāng, [眼觀四面，耳聽八方], lit. the eyes observe all sides and the ears listen in all directions (idiom)/fi... 知人者智，自知者明 zhīrénzhězhì,zìzhīzhěmíng, those who understand others are clever, but those who know themselves are truly ... 知己知彼，百战不殆 zhījǐzhībǐ,bǎizhànbùdài, [知己知彼，百戰不殆], know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated (idiom, from S... 知彼知己，百战不殆 zhībǐzhījǐ,bǎizhànbùdài, [知彼知己，百戰不殆], knowing the enemy and yourself will get you unscathed through a hundred battles ... 知无不言，言无不尽 zhīwúbùyán,yánwúbùjìn, [知無不言，言無不盡], not hiding anything he knows, not stopping before he has said it through (idiom)... 神女有心，襄王无梦 shénnǚyǒuxīn,XiāngWángwúmèng, [神女有心，襄王無夢], lit. the fairy is willing, but King Xiang doesn't dream (idiom)/(said of a woman... 种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆 zhòngguādéguā,zhòngdòudédòu, [種瓜得瓜，種豆得豆], lit. Sow melon and you get melon, sow beans and you get beans (idiom); fig. As y... 窃国者侯，窃钩者诛 qièguózhěhóu,qiègōuzhězhū, [竊國者侯，竊鉤者誅], steal the whole country and they make you a prince, steal a hook and they hang y... 窃钩者诛，窃国者侯 qiègōuzhězhū,qièguózhěhóu, [竊鉤者誅，竊國者侯], steal a hook and they hang you, steal the whole country and they make you a prin... 竹篮打水，一场空 zhúlándǎshuǐ,yīchángkōng, [竹籃打水，一場空], using a wicker basket to draw water (idiom); wasted effort 精诚所加，金石为开 jīngchéngsuǒjiā,jīnshíwèikāi, [精誠所加，金石為開], lit. sincerity splits open metal and metal (idiom); if you put your heart to it,... 精诚所至，金石为开 jīngchéngsuǒzhì,jīnshíwèikāi, [精誠所至，金石為開], lit. sincerity splits open metal and metal (idiom); if you put your heart to it,... 罢黜百家，独尊儒术 bàchùbǎijiā,dúzūnrúshù, [罷黜百家，獨尊儒術], Dismiss the hundred schools, revere only the Confucian (idiom)/sole dominant ide... 老吾老，以及人之老 lǎowúlǎo,yǐjírénzhīlǎo, to honor old people as we do our own aged parents 老王卖瓜，自卖自夸 LǎoWángmàiguā,zìmàizìkuā, [老王賣瓜，自賣自誇], every potter praises his own pot (idiom)/all one's geese are swans 老骥伏枥，志在千里 lǎojìfúlì,zhìzàiqiānlǐ, [老驥伏櫪，志在千里], lit. an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop 1000 miles (idiom); fig.... 老鼠拉龟，无从下手 lǎoshǔlāguī,wúcóngxiàshǒu, [老鼠拉龜，無從下手], like mice trying to pull a turtle, nowhere to get a hand grip (idiom)/no clue wh... 老鼠过街，人人喊打 lǎoshǔguòjiē,rénrénhǎndǎ, [老鼠過街，人人喊打], lit. when a rat crosses the street, people chase it down (idiom)/fig. everyone d... 耕当问奴，织当访婢 gēngdāngwènnú,zhīdāngfǎngbì, [耕當問奴，織當訪婢], if it's plowing ask the laborer, if it's weaving ask the maid (idiom); when mana... 耳听为虚，眼见为实 ěrtīngwéixū,yǎnjiànwéishí, [耳聽為虛，眼見為實], Take what you hear to be false, only believe it when you see it (idiom). Don't b... 聪明一世，懵懂一时 cōngmingyīshì,měngdǒngyīshí, [聰明一世，懵懂一時], see 聰明一世，糊塗一時|聪明一世，糊涂一时[cōng ming yī shì , hú tu yī shí] 聪明一世，糊涂一时 cōngmingyīshì,hútuyīshí, [聰明一世，糊塗一時], even the wisest can have a momentary lapse in judgment (idiom)/every man has a f... 胜不骄，败不馁 shèngbùjiāo,bàibùněi, [勝不驕，敗不餒], no arrogance in victory, no despair in defeat 船到江心，补漏迟 chuándàojiāngxīn,bǔlòuchí, [船到江心，補漏遲], It's too late to plug the leak once ship is in the middle of the river. (idiom) 船到码头，车到站 chuándàomǎtóu,chēdàozhàn, [船到碼頭，車到站], The ship has docked, the carriage has reached the station./The job is over, it's... 苟富贵，勿相忘 gǒufùguì,wùxiāngwàng, [苟富貴，勿相忘], don't forget your friends when you become rich 苦海无边，回头是岸 kǔhǎiwúbiān,huítóushìàn, [苦海無邊，回頭是岸], The sea of bitterness has no bounds, turn your head to see the shore (idiom). On... 萝卜白菜，各有所爱 luóbobáicài,gèyǒusuǒài, [蘿蔔白菜，各有所愛], one man's meat is another man's poison (idiom)/to each his own 萝卜青菜，各有所爱 luóboqīngcài,gèyǒusuǒài, [蘿蔔青菜，各有所愛], see 蘿蔔白菜，各有所愛|萝卜白菜，各有所爱[luó bo bái cài , gè yǒu suǒ ài] 落花有意，流水无情 luòhuāyǒuyì,liúshuǐwúqíng, [落花有意，流水無情], lit. the falling flowers are yearning for love, but the heartless brook ripples ... 螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后 tánglángbǔchán,huángquèzàihòu, [螳螂捕蟬，黃雀在後], the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind (idiom, from Daoist c... 行万里路，读万卷书 xíngwànlǐlù,dúwànjuànshū, [行萬里路，讀萬卷書], Knowledge comes from books and from experience of the world. (idiom)/Learn as mu... 行不改姓，坐不改名 xíngbùgǎixìng,zuòbùgǎimíng, see 行不更名，坐不改姓[xíng bù gēng míng , zuò bù gǎi xìng] 行不更名，坐不改姓 xíngbùgēngmíng,zuòbùgǎixìng, I am who I am (and I'm not ashamed)/fig. to be proud of one's name and stand by ... 行千里路，读万卷书 xíngqiānlǐlù,dúwànjuànshū, [行千里路，讀萬卷書], see 行萬里路，讀萬卷書|行万里路，读万卷书[xíng wàn lǐ lù , dú wàn juàn shū] 要风得风，要雨得雨 yàofēngdéfēng,yàoyǔdéyǔ, [要風得風，要雨得雨], to get whatever one wants/to have everything going one's way 言必信，行必果 yánbìxìn,xíngbìguǒ, one must be a man of his word and resolute in his work (proverb) 言者无意，听者有心 yánzhěwúyì,tīngzhěyǒuxīn, [言者無意，聽者有心], to take a casual remark to heart (idiom) 言者无罪，闻者足戒 yánzhěwúzuì,wénzhězújiè, [言者無罪，聞者足戒], don't blame the speaker, take note of his warning (idiom); an exhortation to spe... 说一千，道一万 shuōyīqiān,dàoyīwàn, [說一千，道一萬], when all is said and done/at the end of the day 说时迟，那时快 shuōshíchí,nàshíkuài, [說時遲，那時快], (idiom) no sooner said than done/before you know it 说曹操，曹操到 shuōCáoCāo,CáoCāodào, [說曹操，曹操到], see 說曹操曹操就到|说曹操曹操就到[shuō Cáo Cāo Cáo Cāo jiù dào] 读万卷书，行万里路 dúwànjuànshū,xíngwànlǐlù, [讀萬卷書，行萬里路], see 行萬里路，讀萬卷書|行万里路，读万卷书[xíng wàn lǐ lù , dú wàn juàn shū] 谋事在人，成事在天 móushìzàirén,chéngshìzàitiān, [謀事在人，成事在天], planning is with man, accomplishing with heaven (idiom); Man proposes but God di... 跑了和尚，跑不了寺 pǎolehéshàng,pǎobùliǎosì, the monk can run away, but the temple won't run with him (idiom)/you can run thi... 跑得了和尚，跑不了庙 pǎodéliǎohéshàng,pǎobùliǎomiào, [跑得了和尚，跑不了廟], the monk can run away, but the temple won't run with him (idiom)/you can run thi... 路见不平，拔刀相助 lùjiànbùpíng,bádāoxiāngzhù, [路見不平，拔刀相助], lit. to intervene when one sees an injustice (idiom)/fig. to rush to the rescue/... 躲过初一，躲不过十五 duǒguòchūyī,duǒbùguòshíwǔ, [躲過初一，躲不過十五], see 躲得過初一，躲不過十五|躲得过初一，躲不过十五[duǒ de guò chū yī , duǒ bù guò shí wǔ] 过而能改，善莫大焉 guòérnénggǎi,shànmòdàyān, [過而能改，善莫大焉], If one can change after making a mistake, there is nothing better (idiom) 近朱者赤，近墨者黑 jìnzhūzhěchì,jìnmòzhěhēi, those who handle cinnabar are stained red; those who work with ink are stained b... 逆水行舟，不进则退 nìshuǐxíngzhōu,bùjìnzétuì, [逆水行舟，不進則退], like rowing a boat upstream, if you stop moving forward you fall back (idiom) 道之所存，师之所存 dàozhīsuǒcún,shīzhīsuǒcún, [道之所存，師之所存], If sb has grasped the truth before you, take him as your teacher (Tang dynasty e... 道所存者，乃师所存者 dàosuǒcúnzhě,nǎishīsuǒcúnzhě, [道所存者，乃師所存者], If sb has grasped the truth before you, take him as your teacher (Tang dynasty e... 道高一尺，魔高一丈 dàogāoyīchǐ,mógāoyīzhàng, virtue is one foot tall, the devil ten foot (idiom); It takes constant vigilance... 道高益安，势高益危 dàogāoyìān,shìgāoyìwēi, [道高益安，勢高益危], More moral strength increases one's safety, more power and influence increases o... 避其锐气，击其惰归 bìqíruìqì,jīqíduòguī, [避其銳氣，擊其惰歸], avoid the enemy when he is fresh and strike him when he is tired and withdraws (... 金乌西坠，玉兔东升 jīnwūxīzhuì,yùtùdōngshēng, [金烏西墜，玉兔東昇], lit. the golden bird of the sun sets in the west, the jade hare of the moon rise... 金玉其外，败絮其中 jīnyùqíwài,bàixùqízhōng, [金玉其外，敗絮其中], gilded exterior, shabby and ruined on the inside (idiom) 金玉其表，败絮其中 jīnyùqíbiǎo,bàixùqízhōng, [金玉其表，敗絮其中], gilded exterior, shabby and ruined on the inside (idiom) 铁打的衙门，流水的官 tiědǎdeyámen,liúshuǐdeguān, [鐵打的衙門，流水的官], lit. the yamen is strong as iron, the officials flow like water (idiom)/fig. gov... 长流水，不断线 chángliúshuǐ,bùduànxiàn, [長流水，不斷線], continuous and patient effort (idiom) 门庭冷落，门堪罗雀 méntínglěngluò,ménkānluóquè, [門庭冷落，門堪羅雀], The courtyard is deserted, you can net sparrows at the door (idiom); completely ... 阎王好见，小鬼难当 Yánwánghǎojiàn,xiǎoguǐnándāng, [閻王好見，小鬼難當], lit. standing in front of the King of Hell is easy, but smaller devils are diffi... 雷公打豆腐，拣软的欺 LéiGōngdǎdòufu,jiǎnruǎndeqī, [雷公打豆腐，揀軟的欺], the God of Thunder strikes bean curd, a bully picks the weakest person/to pick o... 雷声大，雨点小 léishēngdà,yǔdiǎnxiǎo, [雷聲大，雨點小], loud thunder, but only tiny drops of rain (idiom); a lot of talk, but no action/... 靠山吃山，靠水吃水 kàoshānchīshān,kàoshuǐchīshuǐ, lit. the mountain dweller lives off the mountain, the shore dweller lives off th... 靡不有初，鲜克有终 mǐbùyǒuchū,xiǎnkèyǒuzhōng, [靡不有初，鮮克有終], almost everything has a start, but not many things have an end (idiom); don't st... 鞠躬尽瘁，死而后已 jūgōngjìncuì,sǐérhòuyǐ, [鞠躬盡瘁，死而後已], to bend to a task and spare no effort unto one's dying day (idiom); striving to ... 项庄舞剑，志在沛公 XiàngZhuāngwǔjiàn,zhìzàiPèigōng, [項莊舞劍，志在沛公], see 項莊舞劍，意在沛公|项庄舞剑，意在沛公[Xiàng Zhuāng wǔ jiàn , yì zài Pèi gōng] 项庄舞剑，意在沛公 XiàngZhuāngwǔjiàn,yìzàiPèigōng, [項莊舞劍，意在沛公], lit. Xiang Zhuang performs the sword dance, but his mind is set on Liu Bang 劉邦|刘... 风中烛，瓦上霜 fēngzhōngzhú,wǎshàngshuāng, [風中燭，瓦上霜], lit. like a candle in the wind, or frost on the roof (idiom)/fig. (of sb's life)... 食不厌精，脍不厌细 shíbùyànjīng,kuàibùyànxì, [食不厭精，膾不厭細], lit. to eat but finely ground grain and finely chopped meat (idiom, from Analect... 食之无味，弃之不甘 shízhīwúwèi,qìzhībùgān, [食之無味，棄之不甘], see 食之無味，棄之可惜|食之无味，弃之可惜[shí zhī wú wèi , qì zhī kě xī] 食之无味，弃之可惜 shízhīwúwèi,qìzhīkěxī, [食之無味，棄之可惜], lit. to be hardly worth eating, but it would still be a pity to discard it (idio... 饱食终日，无所用心 bǎoshízhōngrì,wúsuǒyòngxīn, [飽食終日，無所用心], to eat three square meals a day and do no work (idiom)/to be sated with food and... 马尾穿豆腐，提不起来 mǎwěichuāndòufu,tíbuqǐlai, [馬尾穿豆腐，提不起來], lit. like tofu strung on horsetail, you can't lift it/fig. let's not talk of thi... 魔高一丈，道高一尺 mógāoyīzhàng,dàogāoyīchǐ, the devil is ten foot tall, virtue one foot (idiom); It takes constant vigilance... 鸟不拉屎，鸡不生蛋 niǎobùlāshǐ,jībùshēngdàn, [鳥不拉屎，雞不生蛋], lit. (a place where) birds don't defecate and hens don't lay eggs (idiom)/fig. g... 鸟不生蛋，狗不拉屎 niǎobùshēngdàn,gǒubùlāshǐ, [鳥不生蛋，狗不拉屎], lit. (a place where) birds don't lay eggs and dogs don't defecate (idiom)/fig. g... 鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利 yùbàngxiāngzhēng,yúwēngdélì, [鷸蚌相爭，漁翁得利], lit. sandpiper and clam war together and the fisherman catches both (idiom); fig... 麻雀虽小，五脏俱全 máquèsuīxiǎo,wǔzàngjùquán, [麻雀雖小，五臟俱全], The sparrow may be small but all its vital organs are there (idiom)./small but c... 龙生龙，凤生凤 lóngshēnglóng,fèngshēngfèng, [龍生龍，鳳生鳳], lit. dragon births dragon, phoenix births phoenix (idiom)/fig. the apple doesn't...