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Simple Dictionary Definition |
會哭的孩子有糖吃 会哭的孩子有糖吃 see styles |
huì kū de hái zi yǒu táng chī hui4 ku1 de5 hai2 zi5 you3 tang2 chi1 hui k`u te hai tzu yu t`ang ch`ih hui ku te hai tzu yu tang chih |
lit. the child who cries gets the candy (idiom); fig. the squeaky wheel gets the grease |
燕雀安知鴻鵠之志 燕雀安知鸿鹄之志 see styles |
yàn què ān zhī hóng hú zhī zhì yan4 que4 an1 zhi1 hong2 hu2 zhi1 zhi4 yen ch`üeh an chih hung hu chih chih yen chüeh an chih hung hu chih chih |
lit. can the sparrow and swallow know the will of the great swan? (idiom); fig. how can we small fry predict the ambitions of the great? |
燕雀焉知鴻鵠之志 燕雀焉知鸿鹄之志 see styles |
yàn què yān zhī hóng gǔ zhī zhì yan4 que4 yan1 zhi1 hong2 gu3 zhi1 zhi4 yen ch`üeh yen chih hung ku chih chih yen chüeh yen chih hung ku chih chih |
lit. can the sparrow and swallow know the will of the great swan? (idiom); fig. how can we small fry predict the ambitions of the great? |
狗嘴裏吐不出象牙 狗嘴里吐不出象牙 see styles |
gǒu zuǐ li tǔ bù chū xiàng yá gou3 zui3 li5 tu3 bu4 chu1 xiang4 ya2 kou tsui li t`u pu ch`u hsiang ya kou tsui li tu pu chu hsiang ya |
lit. no ivory comes from the mouth of a dog (idiom); fig. one does not expect fine words from a scoundrel |
瘦死的駱駝比馬大 瘦死的骆驼比马大 see styles |
shòu sǐ de luò tuo bǐ mǎ dà shou4 si3 de5 luo4 tuo5 bi3 ma3 da4 shou ssu te lo t`o pi ma ta shou ssu te lo to pi ma ta |
lit. even a scrawny camel is bigger than a horse (idiom); fig. even after suffering a loss, a rich person is still better off than ordinary people; a cultured person may come down in the world, but he is still superior to the common people |
癩蛤蟆想吃天鵝肉 癞蛤蟆想吃天鹅肉 see styles |
lài há ma xiǎng chī tiān é ròu lai4 ha2 ma5 xiang3 chi1 tian1 e2 rou4 lai ha ma hsiang ch`ih t`ien o jou lai ha ma hsiang chih tien o jou |
lit. the toad wants to eat swan meat (idiom); fig. to try to punch above one's weight |
身相圓滿如諾瞿陀 身相圆满如诺瞿陀 see styles |
shēn xiàng yuán mǎn rún uo jù tuó shen1 xiang4 yuan2 man3 run2 uo4 ju4 tuo2 shen hsiang yüan man jun uo chü t`o shen hsiang yüan man jun uo chü to shinsō enman nyo nakuguda |
a body which has proportionate limbs such that its circumference with the extended limbs is circular [like the shape of a fig tree] |
身體是革命的本錢 身体是革命的本钱 see styles |
shēn tǐ shì gé mìng de běn qián shen1 ti3 shi4 ge2 ming4 de5 ben3 qian2 shen t`i shih ko ming te pen ch`ien shen ti shih ko ming te pen chien |
lit. the body is the revolution's capital; fig. good health is a prerequisite for work (Mao Zedong's saying) |
青出於藍而勝於藍 青出于蓝而胜于蓝 see styles |
qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán qing1 chu1 yu2 lan2 er2 sheng4 yu2 lan2 ch`ing ch`u yü lan erh sheng yü lan ching chu yü lan erh sheng yü lan |
lit. the color blue is made out of indigo but is more vivid than indigo (idiom); fig. the student surpasses the master |
魚與熊掌不可兼得 鱼与熊掌不可兼得 see styles |
yú yǔ xióng zhǎng bù kě jiān dé yu2 yu3 xiong2 zhang3 bu4 ke3 jian1 de2 yü yü hsiung chang pu k`o chien te yü yü hsiung chang pu ko chien te |
lit. the fish and the bear's paw, you can't have both at the same time (idiom, from Mencius); fig. you must choose one or the other; you can't always get everything you want; you can't have your cake and eat it |
一人得道，雞犬升天 一人得道，鸡犬升天 |
yī rén dé dào , jī quǎn shēng tiān yi1 ren2 de2 dao4 , ji1 quan3 sheng1 tian1 i jen te tao , chi ch`üan sheng t`ien i jen te tao , chi chüan sheng tien |
lit. when a person attains enlightenment and immortality, even his chickens and dogs will ascend to heaven with him (idiom); fig. when somebody attains a position of power and influence, their relatives and friends also benefit |
一手交錢，一手交貨 一手交钱，一手交货 |
yī shǒu jiāo qián , yī shǒu jiāo huò yi1 shou3 jiao1 qian2 , yi1 shou3 jiao1 huo4 i shou chiao ch`ien , i shou chiao huo i shou chiao chien , i shou chiao huo |
lit. one hand exchanges the cash, the other the goods (idiom); fig. to pay for what you want in cash; simple and direct transaction |
三天打魚，兩天曬網 三天打鱼，两天晒网 |
sān tiān dǎ yú , liǎng tiān shài wǎng san1 tian1 da3 yu2 , liang3 tian1 shai4 wang3 san t`ien ta yü , liang t`ien shai wang san tien ta yü , liang tien shai wang |
lit. to fish for three days and sun-dry the nets for two days (proverb); fig. not to persevere in doing something; to do something by fits and starts |
上天無路，入地無門 上天无路，入地无门 |
shàng tiān wú lù , rù dì wú mén shang4 tian1 wu2 lu4 , ru4 di4 wu2 men2 shang t`ien wu lu , ju ti wu men shang tien wu lu , ju ti wu men |
lit. there is no road to the sky, nor door into the earth (idiom); fig. to be at the end of one's rope; to be trapped in a hopeless situation |
上有天堂，下有蘇杭 上有天堂，下有苏杭 |
shàng yǒu tiān táng , xià yǒu sū háng shang4 you3 tian1 tang2 , xia4 you3 su1 hang2 shang yu t`ien t`ang , hsia yu su hang shang yu tien tang , hsia yu su hang |
lit. there is heaven above, and there is 蘇杭|苏杭[Su1 Hang2] below (idiom); fig. the beauty and affluence of Suzhou and Hangzhou is comparable with heaven |
不求有功，但求無過 不求有功，但求无过 |
bù qiú yǒu gōng , dàn qiú wú guò bu4 qiu2 you3 gong1 , dan4 qiu2 wu2 guo4 pu ch`iu yu kung , tan ch`iu wu kuo pu chiu yu kung , tan chiu wu kuo |
lit. not aiming to achieve the best possible result, but rather trying to avoid making mistakes (idiom); fig. to take a risk-averse approach |
不經一事，不長一智 不经一事，不长一智 |
bù jīng yī shì , bù zhǎng yī zhì bu4 jing1 yi1 shi4 , bu4 zhang3 yi1 zhi4 pu ching i shih , pu chang i chih |
lit. you can't gain knowledge without practical experience (idiom); fig. wisdom only comes with experience |
人有失手，馬有失蹄 人有失手，马有失蹄 |
rén yǒu shī shǒu , mǎ yǒu shī tí ren2 you3 shi1 shou3 , ma3 you3 shi1 ti2 jen yu shih shou , ma yu shih t`i jen yu shih shou , ma yu shih ti |
lit. just as humans make mistakes, so can a horse stumble (idiom); fig. everyone makes mistakes; even the best fall down sometimes |
人為刀俎，我為魚肉 人为刀俎，我为鱼肉 |
rén wéi dāo zǔ , wǒ wéi yú ròu ren2 wei2 dao1 zu3 , wo3 wei2 yu2 rou4 jen wei tao tsu , wo wei yü jou |
lit. to be the meat on sb's chopping block (idiom); fig. to be at sb's mercy |
人為財死，鳥為食亡 人为财死，鸟为食亡 |
rén wèi cái sǐ , niǎo wèi shí wáng ren2 wei4 cai2 si3 , niao3 wei4 shi2 wang2 jen wei ts`ai ssu , niao wei shih wang jen wei tsai ssu , niao wei shih wang |
lit. human beings will die for riches, just as birds will for food (idiom); fig. man will do anything in his means to become rich |
人生一世，草木一春 |
rén shēng yī shì , cǎo mù yī chūn ren2 sheng1 yi1 shi4 , cao3 mu4 yi1 chun1 jen sheng i shih , ts`ao mu i ch`un jen sheng i shih , tsao mu i chun |
Man has but one life, grass but one spring (idiom). fig. the brevity of human existence |
以子之矛，攻子之盾 |
yǐ zǐ zhī máo , gōng zǐ zhī dùn yi3 zi3 zhi1 mao2 , gong1 zi3 zhi1 dun4 i tzu chih mao , kung tzu chih tun |
lit. use sb's spear to attack his shield (idiom, derived from Han Feizi 韓非子|韩非子); turning a weapon against its owner; fig. to attack an opponent using his own devices; hoist with his own petard |
以眼還眼，以牙還牙 以眼还眼，以牙还牙 |
yǐ yǎn huán yǎn , yǐ yá huán yá yi3 yan3 huan2 yan3 , yi3 ya2 huan2 ya2 i yen huan yen , i ya huan ya |
an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (idiom); fig. to use the enemy's methods against him; to give sb a taste of his own medicine |
做一天和尚撞一天鐘 做一天和尚撞一天钟 see styles |
zuò yī tiān hé shang zhuàng yī tiān zhōng zuo4 yi1 tian1 he2 shang5 zhuang4 yi1 tian1 zhong1 tso i t`ien ho shang chuang i t`ien chung tso i tien ho shang chuang i tien chung |
lit. as a monk for today, toll today's bell (idiom); fig. to do one's job mechanically; to hold a position passively |
先天不足，後天失調 先天不足，后天失调 |
xiān tiān bù zú , hòu tiān shī tiáo xian1 tian1 bu4 zu2 , hou4 tian1 shi1 tiao2 hsien t`ien pu tsu , hou t`ien shih t`iao hsien tien pu tsu , hou tien shih tiao |
to be born with a weak constitution and suffer from ill health during one's life; (fig.) to be problematic from the start, and get even worse over time |
兩虎相爭，必有一傷 两虎相争，必有一伤 |
liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng , bì yǒu yī shāng liang3 hu3 xiang1 zheng1 , bi4 you3 yi1 shang1 liang hu hsiang cheng , pi yu i shang |
lit. if two tigers fight, one will get injured (idiom); fig. if you start a war, someone is bound to get hurt |
八仙過海，各顯神通 八仙过海，各显神通 |
bā xiān guò hǎi , gè xiǎn shén tōng ba1 xian1 guo4 hai3 , ge4 xian3 shen2 tong1 pa hsien kuo hai , ko hsien shen t`ung pa hsien kuo hai , ko hsien shen tung |
lit. the Eight Immortals cross the sea, each showing his own special talent (idiom); fig. (of each individual in a group) to give full play to one's unique capabilities |
冰炭不言，冷熱自明 冰炭不言，冷热自明 |
bīng tàn bù yán , lěng rè zì míng bing1 tan4 bu4 yan2 , leng3 re4 zi4 ming2 ping t`an pu yen , leng je tzu ming ping tan pu yen , leng je tzu ming |
ice or coals, whether hot or cold goes without saying (idiom); fig. sincerity is not expressed in words |
分久必合，合久必分 |
fēn jiǔ bì hé , hé jiǔ bì fēn fen1 jiu3 bi4 he2 , he2 jiu3 bi4 fen1 fen chiu pi ho , ho chiu pi fen |
lit. that which is long divided must unify, and that which is long unified must divide (proverb, from Romance of the Three Kingdoms 三國演義|三国演义[San1 guo2 Yan3 yi4]); fig. things are constantly changing |
前不著村，後不著店 前不着村，后不着店 |
qián bù zháo cūn , hòu bù zháo diàn qian2 bu4 zhao2 cun1 , hou4 bu4 zhao2 dian4 ch`ien pu chao ts`un , hou pu chao tien chien pu chao tsun , hou pu chao tien |
lit. no village ahead and no inn behind (idiom); fig. to be stranded in the middle of nowhere; to be in a predicament |
前車之覆，後車之鑒 前车之覆，后车之鉴 |
qián chē zhī fù , hòu chē zhī jiàn qian2 che1 zhi1 fu4 , hou4 che1 zhi1 jian4 ch`ien ch`e chih fu , hou ch`e chih chien chien che chih fu , hou che chih chien |
lit. the cart in front overturns, a warning to the following cart (idiom); fig. draw lesson from the failure of one's predecessor; learn from past mistake; once bitten twice shy |
前門打虎，後門打狼 前门打虎，后门打狼 |
qián mén dǎ hǔ , hòu mén dǎ láng qian2 men2 da3 hu3 , hou4 men2 da3 lang2 ch`ien men ta hu , hou men ta lang chien men ta hu , hou men ta lang |
to beat a tiger from the front door, only to have a wolf come in at the back (idiom); fig. facing one problem after another |
前門拒虎，後門進狼 前门拒虎，后门进狼 |
qián mén jù hǔ , hòu mén jìn láng qian2 men2 ju4 hu3 , hou4 men2 jin4 lang2 ch`ien men chü hu , hou men chin lang chien men chü hu , hou men chin lang |
to beat a tiger from the front door, only to have a wolf come in at the back (idiom); fig. facing one problem after another |
千里之堤，潰於蟻穴 千里之堤，溃于蚁穴 |
qiān lǐ zhī dī , kuì yú yǐ xué qian1 li3 zhi1 di1 , kui4 yu2 yi3 xue2 ch`ien li chih ti , k`uei yü i hsüeh chien li chih ti , kuei yü i hsüeh |
lit. an ant hole may cause the collapse of a great dike (idiom); fig. huge damage may result from a moment's negligence |
千里之行，始於足下 千里之行，始于足下 |
qiān lǐ zhī xíng , shǐ yú zú xià qian1 li3 zhi1 xing2 , shi3 yu2 zu2 xia4 ch`ien li chih hsing , shih yü tsu hsia chien li chih hsing , shih yü tsu hsia |
lit. a thousand mile journey begins with the first step; fig. big accomplishments come from an accumulation of little achievements made one by one |
司馬昭之心路人皆知 司马昭之心路人皆知 see styles |
sī mǎ zhāo zhī xīn lù rén jiē zhī si1 ma3 zhao1 zhi1 xin1 lu4 ren2 jie1 zhi1 ssu ma chao chih hsin lu jen chieh chih |
lit. Sima Zhao's intentions are obvious to everyone (idiom); fig. an open secret |
吃別人嚼過的饃不香 吃别人嚼过的馍不香 see styles |
chī bié rén jiáo guò de mó bù xiāng chi1 bie2 ren2 jiao2 guo4 de5 mo2 bu4 xiang1 ch`ih pieh jen chiao kuo te mo pu hsiang chih pieh jen chiao kuo te mo pu hsiang |
lit. bread previously chewed by someone has no flavor (idiom); fig. there's no joy in discovering something if someone else got there first |
吃屎都趕不上熱乎的 吃屎都赶不上热乎的 see styles |
chī shǐ dōu gǎn bu shàng rè hu de chi1 shi3 dou1 gan3 bu5 shang4 re4 hu5 de5 ch`ih shih tou kan pu shang je hu te chih shih tou kan pu shang je hu te |
lit. if you were eating warm shit, it'd be stone cold by the time you finished it (saying); fig. (of a person) too slow; can't keep up |
君子報仇，十年不晚 君子报仇，十年不晚 |
jun zi bào chóu , shí nián bù wǎn jun1 zi5 bao4 chou2 , shi2 nian2 bu4 wan3 chün tzu pao ch`ou , shih nien pu wan chün tzu pao chou , shih nien pu wan |
lit. for a nobleman to take revenge, ten years is not too long (idiom); fig. revenge is a dish best served cold |
和尚打傘，無法無天 和尚打伞，无法无天 |
hé shang dǎ sǎn , wú fǎ wú tiān he2 shang5 da3 san3 , wu2 fa3 wu2 tian1 ho shang ta san , wu fa wu t`ien ho shang ta san , wu fa wu tien |
lit. like a monk holding an umbrella — no hair, no sky (idiom) (punning on 髮|发[fa4] vs 法[fa3]); fig. defying the law and the principles of heaven; lawless |
城門失火，殃及池魚 城门失火，殃及池鱼 |
chéng mén shī huǒ , yāng jí chí yú cheng2 men2 shi1 huo3 , yang1 ji2 chi2 yu2 ch`eng men shih huo , yang chi ch`ih yü cheng men shih huo , yang chi chih yü |
a fire in the city gates is also a calamity for the fish in the moat (idiom); the bystander will also suffer; fig. you can't escape responsibility for your actions; ask not for whom the bell tolls - it tolls for thee |
天網恢恢，疏而不失 天网恢恢，疏而不失 |
tiān wǎng huī huī , shū ér bù shī tian1 wang3 hui1 hui1 , shu1 er2 bu4 shi1 t`ien wang hui hui , shu erh pu shih tien wang hui hui , shu erh pu shih |
lit. heaven's net has wide meshes, but nothing escapes it (idiom, from Laozi 73); fig. the way of Heaven is fair, but the guilty will not escape; you can't run from the long arm of the law |
天網恢恢，疏而不漏 天网恢恢，疏而不漏 |
tiān wǎng huī huī , shū ér bù lòu tian1 wang3 hui1 hui1 , shu1 er2 bu4 lou4 t`ien wang hui hui , shu erh pu lou tien wang hui hui , shu erh pu lou |
lit. heaven's net has wide meshes, but nothing escapes it (idiom, from Laozi 73); fig. the way of Heaven is fair, but the guilty will not escape; you can't run from the long arm of the law |
天要落雨，娘要嫁人 |
tiān yào luò yǔ , niáng yào jià rén tian1 yao4 luo4 yu3 , niang2 yao4 jia4 ren2 t`ien yao lo yü , niang yao chia jen tien yao lo yü , niang yao chia jen |
the rain will fall, the womenfolk will marry (idiom); fig. the natural order of things; something you can't go against |
家累千金，坐不垂堂 |
jiā lěi qiān jīn , zuò bù chuí táng jia1 lei3 qian1 jin1 , zuo4 bu4 chui2 tang2 chia lei ch`ien chin , tso pu ch`ui t`ang chia lei chien chin , tso pu chui tang |
lit. a wealthy person does not sit under the eaves (idiom); fig. a rich man does not expose himself to danger |
寧做雞頭，不做鳳尾 宁做鸡头，不做凤尾 |
nìng zuò jī tóu , bù zuò fèng wěi ning4 zuo4 ji1 tou2 , bu4 zuo4 feng4 wei3 ning tso chi t`ou , pu tso feng wei ning tso chi tou , pu tso feng wei |
lit. would rather be a chicken's head than a phoenix's tail (idiom); fig. to prefer to be a big fish in a small pond rather than a small fish in a big pond |
小洞不堵，大洞吃苦 |
xiǎo dòng bù dǔ , dà dòng chī kǔ xiao3 dong4 bu4 du3 , da4 dong4 chi1 ku3 hsiao tung pu tu , ta tung ch`ih k`u hsiao tung pu tu , ta tung chih ku |
lit. a small hole not plugged will give you grief when it gets bigger (idiom); fig. a stitch in time saves nine |
尺有所短，寸有所長 尺有所短，寸有所长 |
chǐ yǒu suǒ duǎn , cùn yǒu suǒ cháng chi3 you3 suo3 duan3 , cun4 you3 suo3 chang2 ch`ih yu so tuan , ts`un yu so ch`ang chih yu so tuan , tsun yu so chang |
lit. for some things a foot may be too short, and for the other an inch will suffice (proverb); fig. everyone has their strong and weak points; everything has its advantages and disadvantages |
成也蕭何，敗也蕭何 成也萧何，败也萧何 |
chéng yě xiāo hé , bài yě xiāo hé cheng2 ye3 xiao1 he2 , bai4 ye3 xiao1 he2 ch`eng yeh hsiao ho , pai yeh hsiao ho cheng yeh hsiao ho , pai yeh hsiao ho |
lit. raised up by Xiao He, cast down by Xiao He (idiom), alluding to Han Xin 韓信|韩信[Han2 Xin4] being made Grand General 大將軍|大将军[da4 jiang1 jun1]; fig. a situation where one's success and failure are both due to the same factor |
成則為王，敗則為寇 成则为王，败则为寇 |
chéng zé wéi wáng , bài zé wéi kòu cheng2 ze2 wei2 wang2 , bai4 ze2 wei2 kou4 ch`eng tse wei wang , pai tse wei k`ou cheng tse wei wang , pai tse wei kou |
lit. called a king if successful, called a bandit if defeated (idiom); fig. losers are always in the wrong |
打一巴掌，給個甜棗 打一巴掌，给个甜枣 |
dǎ yī bā zhang , gěi gè tián zǎo da3 yi1 ba1 zhang5 , gei3 ge4 tian2 zao3 ta i pa chang , kei ko t`ien tsao ta i pa chang , kei ko tien tsao |
lit. to give sb a slap, then offer a sweet date (idiom); fig. to deal harshly with sb, then offer something by way of consolation |
捨不得孩子套不住狼 舍不得孩子套不住狼 see styles |
shě bù de hái zi tào bù zhù láng she3 bu4 de5 hai2 zi5 tao4 bu4 zhu4 lang2 she pu te hai tzu t`ao pu chu lang she pu te hai tzu tao pu chu lang |
one who is not prepared to risk his child will never catch the wolf (proverb); (fig.) one who is unwilling to take risks will not achieve great things |
日出而作，日入而息 |
rì chū ér zuò , rì rù ér xī ri4 chu1 er2 zuo4 , ri4 ru4 er2 xi1 jih ch`u erh tso , jih ju erh hsi jih chu erh tso , jih ju erh hsi |
lit. to get up at sunrise and work until sunset (proverb); fig. to lead a plain and hardworking life |
明修棧道，暗渡陳倉 明修栈道，暗渡陈仓 |
míng xiū zhàn dào , àn dù chén cāng ming2 xiu1 zhan4 dao4 , an4 du4 chen2 cang1 ming hsiu chan tao , an tu ch`en ts`ang ming hsiu chan tao , an tu chen tsang |
lit. repair the plank road by day while secretly crossing the Wei River 渭河[Wei4 He2] at Chencang (idiom, refers to a stratagem used by Liu Bang 劉邦|刘邦[Liu2 Bang1] in 206 BC against Xiang Yu 項羽|项羽[Xiang4 Yu3] of Chu); fig. to feign one thing while doing another; to cheat under cover of a diversion |
智者千慮，必有一失 智者千虑，必有一失 |
zhì zhě qiān lǜ , bì yǒu yī shī zhi4 zhe3 qian1 lu:4 , bi4 you3 yi1 shi1 chih che ch`ien lü , pi yu i shih chih che chien lü , pi yu i shih |
lit. a wise person reflecting a thousand times can still make a mistake (idiom); fig. nobody is infallible |
樹高千丈，葉落歸根 树高千丈，叶落归根 |
shù gāo qiān zhàng , yè luò guī gēn shu4 gao1 qian1 zhang4 , ye4 luo4 gui1 gen1 shu kao ch`ien chang , yeh lo kuei ken shu kao chien chang , yeh lo kuei ken |
fig. a tree may grow a thousand zhang high, but its leaves return to their roots (proverb); fig. everything has its ancestral home; in old age, an expatriate returns home |
水能載舟，亦能覆舟 水能载舟，亦能覆舟 |
shuǐ néng zài zhōu , yì néng fù zhōu shui3 neng2 zai4 zhou1 , yi4 neng2 fu4 zhou1 shui neng tsai chou , i neng fu chou |
lit. water may keep the boat afloat but may also sink it (proverb); fig. the people can support a regime or overturn it; if something is used properly, one can benefit from it, otherwise it can do harm; things can be double-edged |
流水不腐，戶樞不蠹 流水不腐，户枢不蠹 |
liú shuǐ bù fǔ , hù shū bù dù liu2 shui3 bu4 fu3 , hu4 shu1 bu4 du4 liu shui pu fu , hu shu pu tu |
lit. flowing water does not rot, nor a door-hinge rust (idiom); fig. constant activity prevents decay |
百尺竿頭，更盡一步 百尺竿头，更尽一步 |
bǎi chǐ gān tóu , gèng jìn yī bù bai3 chi3 gan1 tou2 , geng4 jin4 yi1 bu4 pai ch`ih kan t`ou , keng chin i pu pai chih kan tou , keng chin i pu |
lit. hundred foot pole, progress still further (idiom); fig. much accomplished, still some work to do; to continue to further successes; not to rest on one's laurels |
百尺竿頭，更進一步 百尺竿头，更进一步 |
bǎi chǐ gān tóu , gèng jìn yī bù bai3 chi3 gan1 tou2 , geng4 jin4 yi1 bu4 pai ch`ih kan t`ou , keng chin i pu pai chih kan tou , keng chin i pu |
lit. after climbing a hundred feet up a pole, one should go even further (idiom); fig. even if one has achieved a measure of success, one should strive to do even better |
看菜吃飯，量體裁衣 看菜吃饭，量体裁衣 |
kàn cài chī fàn , liàng tǐ cái yī kan4 cai4 chi1 fan4 , liang4 ti3 cai2 yi1 k`an ts`ai ch`ih fan , liang t`i ts`ai i kan tsai chih fan , liang ti tsai i |
lit. to eat depending on the dish, cut cloth according to the body (idiom); fig. to act according to actual circumstances |
眼觀四面，耳聽八方 眼观四面，耳听八方 |
yǎn guān sì miàn , ěr tīng bā fāng yan3 guan1 si4 mian4 , er3 ting1 ba1 fang1 yen kuan ssu mien , erh t`ing pa fang yen kuan ssu mien , erh ting pa fang |
lit. the eyes observe all sides and the ears listen in all directions (idiom); fig. to be observant and alert |
知無不言，言無不盡 知无不言，言无不尽 |
zhī wú bù yán , yán wú bù jìn zhi1 wu2 bu4 yan2 , yan2 wu2 bu4 jin4 chih wu pu yen , yen wu pu chin |
lit. not hiding anything he knows, not stopping before he has said it through (idiom); fig. frank; outspoken |
種瓜得瓜，種豆得豆 种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆 |
zhòng guā dé guā , zhòng dòu dé dòu zhong4 gua1 de2 gua1 , zhong4 dou4 de2 dou4 chung kua te kua , chung tou te tou |
lit. Sow melon and you get melon, sow beans and you get beans (idiom); fig. As you sow, so shall you reap.; One must live with the consequences of one's actions.; You've made your bed, now must lie on it. |
精誠所至，金石為開 精诚所至，金石为开 |
jīng chéng suǒ zhì , jīn shí wèi kāi jing1 cheng2 suo3 zhi4 , jin1 shi2 wei4 kai1 ching ch`eng so chih , chin shih wei k`ai ching cheng so chih , chin shih wei kai |
lit. metal and stone yield to power of sincerity (idiom); fig. no difficulty is insurmountable if one is sincere |
老天爺餓不死瞎家雀 老天爷饿不死瞎家雀 see styles |
lǎo tiān yé è bù sǐ xiā jiā què lao3 tian1 ye2 e4 bu4 si3 xia1 jia1 que4 lao t`ien yeh o pu ssu hsia chia ch`üeh lao tien yeh o pu ssu hsia chia chüeh |
lit. heaven won't let the sparrows go hungry (idiom); fig. don't give up hope; if you tough it out, there will be light at the end of the tunnel |
老驥伏櫪，志在千里 老骥伏枥，志在千里 |
lǎo jì fú lì , zhì zài qiān lǐ lao3 ji4 fu2 li4 , zhi4 zai4 qian1 li3 lao chi fu li , chih tsai ch`ien li lao chi fu li , chih tsai chien li |
lit. an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop 1000 miles (idiom); fig. old people may still cherish high aspirations |
老鼠過街，人人喊打 老鼠过街，人人喊打 |
lǎo shǔ guò jiē , rén rén hǎn dǎ lao3 shu3 guo4 jie1 , ren2 ren2 han3 da3 lao shu kuo chieh , jen jen han ta |
lit. when a rat crosses the street, people chase it down (idiom); fig. everyone detests a lowlife |
萬事俱備，只欠東風 万事俱备，只欠东风 |
wàn shì jù bèi , zhǐ qiàn dōng fēng wan4 shi4 ju4 bei4 , zhi3 qian4 dong1 feng1 wan shih chü pei , chih ch`ien tung feng wan shih chü pei , chih chien tung feng |
lit. everything is ready, all we need is an east wind (idiom); fig. lacking only one tiny crucial item |
落花有意，流水無情 落花有意，流水无情 |
luò huā yǒu yì , liú shuǐ wú qíng luo4 hua1 you3 yi4 , liu2 shui3 wu2 qing2 lo hua yu i , liu shui wu ch`ing lo hua yu i , liu shui wu ching |
lit. the falling flowers are yearning for love, but the heartless brook ripples on (idiom); fig. one side is willing, yet the other one remains indifferent (usually of unrequited love) |
讀萬卷書，行萬里路 读万卷书，行万里路 |
dú wàn juàn shū , xíng wàn lǐ lù du2 wan4 juan4 shu1 , xing2 wan4 li3 lu4 tu wan chüan shu , hsing wan li lu |
lit. read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles (idiom); fig. acquire knowledge from study and wisdom from practical experience |
路見不平，拔刀相助 路见不平，拔刀相助 |
lù jiàn bù píng , bá dāo xiāng zhù lu4 jian4 bu4 ping2 , ba2 dao1 xiang1 zhu4 lu chien pu p`ing , pa tao hsiang chu lu chien pu ping , pa tao hsiang chu |
lit. to intervene when one sees an injustice (idiom); fig. to rush to the rescue; to play the white knight |
醜媳婦早晚要見公婆 see styles |
chǒu xí fù zǎo wǎn yào jiàn gōng pó chou3 xi2 fu4 zao3 wan3 yao4 jian4 gong1 po2 ch`ou hsi fu tsao wan yao chien kung p`o chou hsi fu tsao wan yao chien kung po |
lit. the ugly daughter-in-law must sooner or later meet her parents-in-law (proverb); fig. something unpleasant or embarrassing cannot be avoided forever; sooner or later one must face it |
金烏西墜，玉兔東昇 金乌西坠，玉兔东升 |
jīn wū xī zhuì , yù tù dōng shēng jin1 wu1 xi1 zhui4 , yu4 tu4 dong1 sheng1 chin wu hsi chui , yü t`u tung sheng chin wu hsi chui , yü tu tung sheng |
lit. the golden bird of the sun sets in the west, the jade hare of the moon rises in the east; fig. at sunset |
靠山吃山，靠水吃水 |
kào shān chī shān , kào shuǐ chī shuǐ kao4 shan1 chi1 shan1 , kao4 shui3 chi1 shui3 k`ao shan ch`ih shan , k`ao shui ch`ih shui kao shan chih shan , kao shui chih shui |
lit. the mountain dweller lives off the mountain, the shore dweller lives off the sea (idiom); fig. to make the best use of local resources; to exploit one's position to advance oneself; to find one's niche; to live off the land |
食不厭精，膾不厭細 食不厌精，脍不厌细 |
shí bù yàn jīng , kuài bù yàn xì shi2 bu4 yan4 jing1 , kuai4 bu4 yan4 xi4 shih pu yen ching , k`uai pu yen hsi shih pu yen ching , kuai pu yen hsi |
lit. to eat but finely ground grain and finely chopped meat (idiom, from Analects); fig. to be fastidious about one's food |
食之無味，棄之可惜 食之无味，弃之可惜 |
shí zhī wú wèi , qì zhī kě xī shi2 zhi1 wu2 wei4 , qi4 zhi1 ke3 xi1 shih chih wu wei , ch`i chih k`o hsi shih chih wu wei , chi chih ko hsi |
lit. to be hardly worth eating, but it would still be a pity to discard it (idiom); fig. some things have little to no value, yet one is still reluctant to part with them |
養兵千日，用兵一時 养兵千日，用兵一时 |
yǎng bīng qiān rì , yòng bīng yī shí yang3 bing1 qian1 ri4 , yong4 bing1 yi1 shi2 yang ping ch`ien jih , yung ping i shih yang ping chien jih , yung ping i shih |
lit. Train an army for a thousand days to use it for an hour. (idiom); fig. extensive preparation eventually pays off |
養兵千日，用在一朝 养兵千日，用在一朝 |
yǎng bīng qiān rì , yòng zài yī zhāo yang3 bing1 qian1 ri4 , yong4 zai4 yi1 zhao1 yang ping ch`ien jih , yung tsai i chao yang ping chien jih , yung tsai i chao |
lit. train an army for a thousand days to use it for one morning (idiom); fig. extensive preparation eventually pays off |
鳥不拉屎，雞不生蛋 鸟不拉屎，鸡不生蛋 |
niǎo bù lā shǐ , jī bù shēng dàn niao3 bu4 la1 shi3 , ji1 bu4 sheng1 dan4 niao pu la shih , chi pu sheng tan |
lit. (a place where) birds don't defecate and hens don't lay eggs (idiom); fig. god-forsaken; remote and desolate |
鳥不生蛋，狗不拉屎 鸟不生蛋，狗不拉屎 |
niǎo bù shēng dàn , gǒu bù lā shǐ niao3 bu4 sheng1 dan4 , gou3 bu4 la1 shi3 niao pu sheng tan , kou pu la shih |
lit. (a place where) birds don't lay eggs and dogs don't defecate (idiom); fig. god-forsaken; remote and desolate |
鷸蚌相爭，漁翁得利 鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利 |
yù bàng xiāng zhēng , yú wēng dé lì yu4 bang4 xiang1 zheng1 , yu2 weng1 de2 li4 yü pang hsiang cheng , yü weng te li |
lit. when the snipe and the clam grapple with each other, the fisherman catches them both (idiom); fig. when two sides are locked in dispute, it's often a third party that benefits |
フィカスウンララータ see styles |
fikasuunraraata / fikasunrarata フィカスウンララータ |
Ficus umbellata (species of fig) (lat:) |
一年被蛇咬十年怕井繩 一年被蛇咬十年怕井绳 see styles |
yī nián bèi shé yǎo shí nián pà jǐng shéng yi1 nian2 bei4 she2 yao3 shi2 nian2 pa4 jing3 sheng2 i nien pei she yao shih nien p`a ching sheng i nien pei she yao shih nien pa ching sheng |
once bitten by a snake, one is scared all one's life at the mere sight of a rope (idiom); fig. once bitten, twice shy |
一粒老鼠屎壞了一鍋粥 一粒老鼠屎坏了一锅粥 see styles |
yī lì lǎo shǔ shǐ huài le yī guō zhōu yi1 li4 lao3 shu3 shi3 huai4 le5 yi1 guo1 zhou1 i li lao shu shih huai le i kuo chou |
lit. one pellet of rat feces spoiled the whole pot of congee (idiom); fig. one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch |
一顆老鼠屎壞了一鍋湯 一颗老鼠屎坏了一锅汤 see styles |
yī kē lǎo shǔ shǐ huài le yī guō tāng yi1 ke1 lao3 shu3 shi3 huai4 le5 yi1 guo1 tang1 i k`o lao shu shih huai le i kuo t`ang i ko lao shu shih huai le i kuo tang |
lit. one pellet of rat feces spoiled the whole pot of soup (idiom); fig. one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch |
丈二和尚，摸不著頭腦 丈二和尚，摸不着头脑 |
zhàng èr hé shang , mō bu zháo tóu nǎo zhang4 er4 he2 shang5 , mo1 bu5 zhao2 tou2 nao3 chang erh ho shang , mo pu chao t`ou nao chang erh ho shang , mo pu chao tou nao |
lit. like a three-meter high monk, you can't rub his head (idiom); fig. at a total loss |
到什麼山上，唱什麼歌 到什么山上，唱什么歌 |
dào shén me shān shàng , chàng shén me gē dao4 shen2 me5 shan1 shang4 , chang4 shen2 me5 ge1 tao shen me shan shang , ch`ang shen me ko tao shen me shan shang , chang shen me ko |
lit. whatever mountain one is on, one should sing its songs (idiom); fig. when in Rome, do as the Romans do |
又想當婊子又想立牌坊 又想当婊子又想立牌坊 see styles |
yòu xiǎng dāng biǎo zi yòu xiǎng lì pái fāng you4 xiang3 dang1 biao3 zi5 you4 xiang3 li4 pai2 fang1 yu hsiang tang piao tzu yu hsiang li p`ai fang yu hsiang tang piao tzu yu hsiang li pai fang |
lit. to lead the life of a whore but still want a monument put up to one's chastity (idiom); fig. to have bad intentions but still want a good reputation; to want to have one's cake and eat it too |
打掉門牙，往肚子裡嚥 打掉门牙，往肚子里咽 |
dǎ diào mén yá , wǎng dù zi lǐ yàn da3 diao4 men2 ya2 , wang3 du4 zi5 li3 yan4 ta tiao men ya , wang tu tzu li yen |
lit. to swallow one's knocked-out teeth after getting punched in the face (idiom); fig. to endure bullying or insults stoically |
步子太大，容易扯著蛋 步子太大，容易扯着蛋 |
bù zi tài dà , róng yì chě zhe dàn bu4 zi5 tai4 da4 , rong2 yi4 che3 zhe5 dan4 pu tzu t`ai ta , jung i ch`e che tan pu tzu tai ta , jung i che che tan |
if you take too big a stride, you could easily rip your balls (catchphrase) (line spoken by actor 葛優|葛优[Ge3 You1] in the 2010 action comedy movie 讓子彈飛|让子弹飞[Rang4 Zi3 dan4 Fei1]); (fig.) take things one step at a time |
醜媳婦早晚也得見公婆 丑媳妇早晚也得见公婆 see styles |
chǒu xí fù zǎo wǎn yě dei jiàn gōng pó chou3 xi2 fu4 zao3 wan3 ye3 dei3 jian4 gong1 po2 ch`ou hsi fu tsao wan yeh tei chien kung p`o chou hsi fu tsao wan yeh tei chien kung po |
lit. the ugly daughter-in-law must sooner or later meet her parents-in-law (idiom); fig. it's not something you can avoid forever |
鐵打的衙門，流水的官 铁打的衙门，流水的官 |
tiě dǎ de yá men , liú shuǐ de guān tie3 da3 de5 ya2 men5 , liu2 shui3 de5 guan1 t`ieh ta te ya men , liu shui te kuan tieh ta te ya men , liu shui te kuan |
lit. the yamen is strong as iron, the officials flow like water (idiom); fig. government officials come and go |
馬尾穿豆腐，提不起來 马尾穿豆腐，提不起来 |
mǎ wěi chuān dòu fu , tí bu qǐ lai ma3 wei3 chuan1 dou4 fu5 , ti2 bu5 qi3 lai5 ma wei ch`uan tou fu , t`i pu ch`i lai ma wei chuan tou fu , ti pu chi lai |
lit. like tofu strung on horsetail, you can't lift it; fig. let's not talk of this (pun on 提[ti2]) |
フィカス・ウンベラータ |
fikasu unberaata / fikasu unberata フィカス・ウンベラータ |
Ficus umbellata (species of fig) (lat:) |
一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井繩 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 |
yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo , shí nián pà jǐng shéng yi1 zhao1 bei4 she2 yao3 , shi2 nian2 pa4 jing3 sheng2 i chao pei she yao , shih nien p`a ching sheng i chao pei she yao , shih nien pa ching sheng |
lit. once bitten by a snake, one is scared all one's life at the mere sight of a rope (saying); fig. once bitten, twice shy |
一瓶子不響，半瓶子晃蕩 一瓶子不响，半瓶子晃荡 |
yī píng zi bù xiǎng , bàn píng zi huàng dang yi1 ping2 zi5 bu4 xiang3 , ban4 ping2 zi5 huang4 dang5 i p`ing tzu pu hsiang , pan p`ing tzu huang tang i ping tzu pu hsiang , pan ping tzu huang tang |
lit. a full bottle makes no sound; a half-filled bottle sloshes (idiom); fig. empty vessels make the most noise |
三個臭皮匠，賽過諸葛亮 三个臭皮匠，赛过诸葛亮 |
sān gè chòu pí jiang , sài guò zhū gě liàng san1 ge4 chou4 pi2 jiang5 , sai4 guo4 zhu1 ge3 liang4 san ko ch`ou p`i chiang , sai kuo chu ko liang san ko chou pi chiang , sai kuo chu ko liang |
lit. three ignorant cobblers add up to a genius (idiom); fig. collective wisdom; wisdom of the masses exceeds that of any individual |
三個臭皮匠，頂個諸葛亮 三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮 |
sān gè chòu pí jiang , dǐng gè zhū gě liàng san1 ge4 chou4 pi2 jiang5 , ding3 ge4 zhu1 ge3 liang4 san ko ch`ou p`i chiang , ting ko chu ko liang san ko chou pi chiang , ting ko chu ko liang |
lit. three ignorant cobblers add up to a genius (idiom); fig. collective wisdom; wisdom of the masses exceeds that of any individual |
不怕不識貨，只怕貨比貨 不怕不识货，只怕货比货 |
bù pà bù shí huò , zhǐ pà huò bǐ huò bu4 pa4 bu4 shi2 huo4 , zhi3 pa4 huo4 bi3 huo4 pu p`a pu shih huo , chih p`a huo pi huo pu pa pu shih huo , chih pa huo pi huo |
lit. don't worry about not knowing goods, but about comparing them (proverb); fig. goods' (or person's) true value can only be determined through comparison |
Entries with 2nd row of characters: The 2nd row is Simplified Chinese.
This page contains 100 results for "Fig" in Chinese and/or Japanese.Information about this dictionary:
Apparently, we were the first ones who were crazy enough to think that western people might want a combined Chinese, Japanese, and Buddhist dictionary.
A lot of westerners can't tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese - and there is a reason for that. Chinese characters and even whole words were borrowed by Japan from the Chinese language in the 5th century. Much of the time, if a word or character is used in both languages, it will have the same or a similar meaning. However, this is not always true. Language evolves, and meanings independently change in each language.
Example: The Chinese character 湯 for soup (hot water) has come to mean bath (hot water) in Japanese. They have the same root meaning of "hot water", but a 湯屋 sign on a bathhouse in Japan would lead a Chinese person to think it was a "soup house" or a place to get a bowl of soup. See this: Japanese Bath House
This dictionary uses the EDICT and CC-CEDICT dictionary files.
EDICT data is the property of the Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group, and is used in conformance with the Group's
license.
Chinese Buddhist terms come from Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms by William Edward Soothill and Lewis Hodous. This is commonly referred to as "Soothill's'". It was first published in 1937 (and is now off copyright so we can use it here). Some of these definitions may be misleading, incomplete, or dated, but 95% of it is good information. Every professor who teaches Buddhism or Eastern Religion has a copy of this on their bookshelf. We incorporated these 16,850 entries into our dictionary database ourselves (it was lot of work).
Combined, these cover 1,007,753 Japanese, Chinese, and Buddhist characters, words, idioms, names, placenames, and short phrases.
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