Everyday Chinese Idioms

& Popular Old Sayings

[]

Everyday Chinese Idioms

& Popular Old Sayings
[ A selection of over 2,000 for beginners ]

Compiled and edited by

David Lam

{ In memory of my loving and courageous Mother }

Acknowledgements ( )
Both my children were born in England and did not have proper opportunity to learn Chinese. Their new-found interest in wishing to learn more and to improve their standard of communication in Mandarin Chinese was the driving force behind the idea of this publication. My gratitude goes to my wife Betty, who encouraged me to keep going to complete this reference book. I want to thank my daughter Louisa for her assistance in design and layout of the draft. I also want to thank my good friend Dr M.Hua (a Senior Lecturer at City Hong Kong University) for giving his thumbs-up and for a few constructive suggestions. Finally, I wish to thank editors at dpdotcom for showing their interest, comments and support.

Introduction ()
The Chinese language is basically an idiomatic language and one cannot expect to appreciate its beauty without knowing these set phrases (). On top of this, some sayings, generated mostly from poems and proverbs, have been passed down through generations and are popularly used in daily communications. The book is not a dictionary of Chinese idioms. It is a careful collection of those frequently used in everyday life. Over 2,000 have been selected and arranged in alphabetical order. The reader will note that a vast majority of idioms are conveniently "strung" together with 4 characters (i.e. 4 syllables). Certain idioms will come in a pair (i.e. 4+4) to make complete sense. Other popular old sayings also tend to follow a neat pattern of 5+5, 7+7, etc. With concise English translation, the reader will find most idioms rather easy to understand! Where necessary, a note is added to give further explanation. This whole aim of this publication is to provide learners, with previously very little knowledge of the Chinese language, a positive step to further his/her knowledge. Leaning these commonly-used set phrases and understanding popular old sayings is good fun! They should also help to add to the reader's repertoire of vocabulary () as well as leading to better appreciation of the Chinese culture. The book is conveniently divided into two sections (idioms and old sayings) and each contains 4 chapters. It is not a novel and there is no need to follow them in any order. However, a beginner may find it useful to start with reading Appendix A to C (as a refresher!). Appendix D explains what they mean by simplified writing system (as opposed to traditional) and provides a side-by-side comparison for quick reference.

CONTENT
Section I: Chinese Idioms:

(1) All The Fours!

(2) All The Fives!

...

113

(3) All The Sixes!

115

(4) These Stick Together!

Section II: Old Sayings:

117

(5) The One-Liners

122

(6) Five + Five Couplets

124

(7) Seven + Seven Couplets

126

(8) The Odd Ones?

128

Appendix A Basic Syllables Appendix B The 4 Tones Appendix C Pronunciation Guide Appendix D Traditional Vs Simplified Writings

130 131 132 133

Chapter One: All The Fours!

(A)
A0001

[ i-ch-fng-tou ] (among friends) seek to be in the limelight. [ i-chu-ni-p ] love to brag; talk big! [ i-l-b-l ] showing cold and indifferent behaviour.
i-m-nng-zh ] willing to help but unable to do so (due to [ lack of ability, money, etc). i-m-x-rng ] admire and seek vanity. Note: the opposite [ of down-to-earth and being realistic.

A0002

A0003

A0004

A0005

A0006

[ i-rn-r-j ] love others as you love yourself. [ i-shng-tn-qn ] heave deep sighs; sigh in despair. [ n-d-wn-nin ] live in peace in one's old age.
n-fn-shu-j ] abide by the law and behave oneself; know [ one's place.

A0007

A0008

A0009

A0010

[ n-ji-lu-h ] settle into a new home and a new place. [ n-j-l-y ] live and work in peace and contentment. [ n-rn-w-yng ] safe and well; at rest and in good health. [ n-r-ti-shn ] as secure as Mount Tai; as solid as a rock. [ n-shn-l-mng ] settle down and get on with one's pursuit.
n-bng-b-dng ] not ordering the troops into battle; bide [ one's time.

A0011

A0012

A0013

A0014

A0015

A0016

[ n-b-ji-bn ] work along a prescribed path.

n-lo-fn-pi ] distribution of wealth according to people's [ effort at work.

A0017

A0018

[ n-t-su-j ] try to locate something by following up a clue.

n-zhng-xng-sh ] handle matters in accordance with [ rules and regulations.

A0019

A0020

[ n-jin-shng-rn ] injure (an intended person) with an

arrow in the dark. Note: verbal or physical attack by a hidden enermy. Stab someone in the back.

A0021

[ n-rn-ru-sh ] feeling that one is in the dark and lost.

n-sng-qi-b ] make eyes at somebody while others are [ not looking; give somebody the glad eye. n-zhng-m-suo ] grope in the dark; try to find out in [ secret. n-z-s-liang ] careful consideration in private; turn an issue [ over in one's mind. ng-shu-ku-b ] stride forward with one's chin up; march [ up in confidence. o-ch-tu-le ] (long endurance has ended with) new hope [ and beginning.

A0022

A0023

A0024

A0025

A0026

(B)
B0027

b-w-b-le ] unable to grasp the whole situation; uncertain [ of achieving a result. bi-fi-xn-j ] waste all careful thoughts and plans; all [ comes to nothing.

B0028

B0029

[ bi-j-gu-x ] in the blink of an eye.

bi-m-wng-z ] prince on a white horse. Note: (a young [ girl's dream of) an ideal man or husband.

B0030

B0031

[ bi-r-zu-mng ] daydream; indulge in wishful thinking. [ bi-shu-q-ji ] build up from nothing; start from scratch.
[ bi-tu-xi-lo ] husband and wife grow old together; devoted to each other until old age.

B0032

B0033

B0034

bi-zh-hi-z ] (written) in black and white; it is clear for all [ to see. bi-bn-dio-nn ] deliberately try to make things difficult [ (for others).

B0035

B0036

[ bi-bn-tio-t ] try to be hypercritical; nitpicking. [ bi-chun-gu-hi ] all things tend in one direction.
bi-d-b-yn ] (a good book) is worth reading a hundred [ more times.

B0037

B0038

B0039

[ bi-dun-di-j ] numerous tasks remain to be undertaken.

bi-f-bi-zhng ] every shot hits the target; shoot with [ unfailing accuracy.

B0040

B0041

[ bi-fi-di-j ] all neglected tasks are waiting to be done. [ bi-fi-j-xng ] full scale reconstruction is under way. [ bi-gn-jio-j ] all sorts of feelings well up in one's heart. [ bi-hu-q-fng ] one hundred flowers are in blossom.
bi-hu-zhng-yn ] all kinds of gorgeous flowers compete [ for admiration. bi-ji-zhng-mng ] contention of a hundred schools of [ thought.

B0042

B0043

B0044

B0045

B0046

B0047

[ bi-l-tio-y ] pick one in a hundred; cream of the crop.

bi-mng-zh-zhng ] despite a busy schedule; in the [ midst of a busy life. bi-nin-b-y ] not seen or occurred in a hundred years; [ an extremely rare event.

B0048

B0049

B0050

[ bi-nin-d-j ] a project of vital and lasting importance. [ bi-s-b-ji ] remain perplexed despite a hundred thoughts. [ bi-tng-b-yn ] it's worth listening to a hundred times!

B0051

B0052

B0053

bi-wn-b-fn ] never feel tired asking hundreds of [ qustions.

B0054

[ bi-y-bi-shn ] willing to obey and comply with 100%

[ bi-zh-b-no ] keep on fighting in spite of repeated setbacks.

B0055

B0056

[ bi-sh-yu-y ] can do more harm than good.

bn-mn-nng-f ] display one's technical skill (not [ knowing one is before an expert).

B0057

B0058

[ bn-nng-sh-fi ] create discord; tell tales to stir up trouble. [ bn-b-jing-shn ] half of the country or kingdom.
bn-jn-b-ling ] six of one and half a dozen of the other. [ Note: no difference between the two.

B0059

B0060

B0061

bn-l-ch-ji ] become a monk halfway through life. Note: [ switch to a new job or skill one was not trained for.

B0062

[ bn-t-r-fi ] give up halfway; leave something unfinished.

bn-xn-bn-y ] half-believing, half-doubting; not quite [ convinced.

B0063

B0064

[ bn-y-sn-gng ] in the depth of the night; late at night. [ bo-lu-wn-xing ] all-embracing; all-inclusive. [ bo-cng-hu-xn ] conceal evil intentions.
bo-chu-xu-ch ] seek revenge to wash away one's [ humiliation.

B0065

B0066

B0067

B0068

[ bo-tu-tng-k ] cry on each other's shoulder.

bi-gng-sh-yng ] mistaking the reflection of a bow in the [ cup for a snake. Note: suspicion (due to a sensitive mind).

B0069

B0070

[ bi-gun-sh-wng ] feel pessimistic and disappointed

bi-hun-l-h ] joys and sorrows, partings and reunions. [ Note: the vicissitudes of life.

B0071

B0072

[ bi-tng-y-ju ] feel deeply grieved. [ bi-x-jio-j ] mixed feelings of grief and joy.
bi-r-b-yng ] have something ready just in case; prepare [ for possible future use. bi-cho-yu-y ] a squid has been stir-fried. Note: (of an [ employee) has been sacked.

B0073

B0074

B0075

B0076

[ bi-rn-n-sun ] the victim of someone's secret plot. [ bi-rn-qio-zh ] the victim of a blackmail. [ bi-xun-j-qun ] the right to be elected (as a member). [ bi-do-r-ch ] run in the opposite direction; run counter to.
bi-jng-l-xing ] leave one's native place (especially [ against one's will). bi-shu-y-zhn ] fight with one's back to the river - fight to [ win or die.

B0077

B0078

B0079

B0080

B0081

B0082

[ bi-xn-q-y ] break faith with somebody; be perfidious. [ bn-li-min-m ] true colours; true features.
bn-m-do-zh ] put the cart before the horse; put the [ incidental before the fundamental. bn-shu-bn-jio ] (of a person's way of doing things) [ clumsy; awkward; cumbersome. bn-nio-xin-fi ] clumsy birds have to start flying early; [ the slow need to make early start. b-b-d-y ] have no alternative (but to); be forced to [ (against one's will).

B0083

B0084

B0085

B0086

B0087

B0088

[ b-shng-ling-shn ] (Song Dynasty) be driven to join the

Liangshan rebels. Note: forced to take up arms; reluctantly join the other camp.

B0089

b-qng-lin-zhng ] a bloody nose and a swollen face; [ badly battered.

10

B0090

b-y-shung-fi ] a devoted couple fly wing to wing; a lovely [ couple in perfect harmony. b-zu-lng-sh ] (style of writing) looks easy, free and [ easy. b-mn-s-gu ] shut oneself up and ponder over one's [ mistakes. bin-bn-ji-l ] become aggravated; be further intensified; [ from bad to worse.

B0091

B0092

B0093

B0094

[ bin-y-xng-sh ] act at one's discretion; act as one sees fit.

bi-ch-xn-ci ] adopt an original approach; try to be [ different.

B0095

B0096

[ bi-j-y-g ] having a unique (or distinctive) style. [ bi-j-xn-chng ] with evil intentions. [ bi-j-t-s ] having a unique or distinguishing feature.
bi-ki-shng-min ] start something new (or original); [ break a new path. bi-sh-y-zh ] set up a new banner; find a new school of [ thought.

B0097

B0098

B0099

B0100

B0101

[ bi-yu-fng-wi ] have a distinctive flavour.

bi-yu-tin-d ] a place of unique beauty; scenery of [ exceptional charm. bi-yu-yng-xn ] have ulterior motives; have an axe to [ grind.

B0102

B0103

B0104

[ bn-bn-yu-l ] very polite and courteous. [ bng-hung-m-lun ] turmoil and chaos during the war. [ bng-tin-xu-d ] a world covered by ice and snow.
bng-b-x-hn ] (one is) emphatically not impressed; it's [ not that special or unique (to get one's attention). bng-b-zi-hu ] don't mind in the least; don't care one way [ or another.

B0105

B0106

B0107

B0108

11

B0109

bng-ji-q-q ] run neck and neck; keep abreast of (or keep [ pace with). bng-r-go-hung ] the disease has attacked the vital [ organs. Note: the illness is beyond cure.

B0110

B0111

[ b-g-tng-jn ] conversant with things past and present.

b-wn-qing-j ] have a wide learning and retentive [ memory. b-fng-zhu-yng ] chase the wind and clutch at shadows [ - make groundless

B0112

B0113

B0114

[ b-n-sh-sh ] ignorant of social affairs.

b-chng-t-tng ] out of order; against the traditionally [ accepted. b-ch-xi-wn ] not feeling ashamed to ask and learn from [ one's subordinates.

B0115

B0116

B0117

[ b-ch-su-lio ] exactly as expected. [ b-chui-mo-mi ] presume to; take the liberty of. [ b-c-r-bi ] leave without saying goodbye.
b-d-b-xio ] not too big and not too small; just the right [ size.

B0118

B0119

B0120

B0121

[ b-d-z-zho ] confess without being forced to do so.

b-d-r-zh ] one is unable to find out; one may never [ know. b-d-rn-xn ] (of someone) not enjoying support; be [ unpopular.

B0122

B0123

B0124

[ b-d-yo-lng ] fail to grasp the main points.

b-dng-shng-s ] maintain one's composure; stay calm [ and collected. b-fn-b-c ] make no distinction between what is one's own [ and what belongs to the other. b-fn-d-w ] make no distinction between ourselves and [ the enemy.

B0125

B0126

B0127

12

B0128

b-fn-shng-f ] it's a tie; cannot decide between winner [ and loser. b-f-shu-t ] (of a stranger) not accustomed to the climate [ of a new place; not acclimatized. b-gn-go-pn ] dare not make friends or claim ties of [ kinship (with someone of a higher social position). b-gn-sh-ru ] unwilling to concede; not prepared to [ accept that one is weaker than the other. b-gng-b-jng ] lack of respect (for elders or people in [ authority). b-gng-di-tin ] will not live under the same sky (with [ one's enemy); absolutely irreconcilable.

B0129

B0130

B0131

B0132

B0133

B0134

[ b-gng-z-p ] collapse on itself without being attacked. [ b-gu-yn-xio ] be serious in speech and manner. [ b-g-y-qi ] reckless; without proper thought.
b-ho-y-si ] be ill at ease; find it embarrassing (to say or [ do something) b-hui-ho-y ] harbour evil designs; harbour malicious [ intentions. b-hun-r-sn ] part on bad terms; (of a meeting, etc.) [ break up in discord.

B0135

B0136

B0137

B0138

B0139

B0140

[ b-j-q-sh ] countless; innumerable.

[ b-j-qin-xin ] do not count the past animosity; prepare to forget about the past.

B0141

B0142

[ b-ji-s-su ] without due consideration. [ b-jin-b-sn ] promise to meet at agreed time and place.
[ b-ji-zh-yun ] (an unexplained feeling of) being closely
related to somebody; an irrevocable commitment (that can not be logically explained).

B0143

B0144

B0145

[ b-jn-r-c ] not only that; not the only one.

13

B0146

b-kn-hu-shu ] (of past event) find it unbearable to [ recall. b-kn-sh-xing ] cannot bear to imagine (the [ consequence).

B0147

B0148

[ b-kn-y-j ] unable to bear a single blow. [ b-k-ji-yo ] incurable; a hopeless situation.

b-k-cho-yu ] (of ability or quality) cannot be surpassed; [ cannot overtake.

B0149

B0150

B0151

[ b-k-de-jin ] cannot have it both ways. [ b-k-y-sh ] consider oneself unexcelled in the world.
b-k-zhng-r ] be unable to carry on even for a single [ day; be in a desperate situation. b-lo-r-hu ] reap without sowing; profit by other people's [ toil.

B0152

B0153

B0154

B0155

[ b-ln-b-li ] neither fish nor fowl; cannot be classified.

b-mu-r-h ] agree without prior consultation; happen to [ hold the same view.

B0156

B0157

[ b-nng-fu-rn ] cannot deny (the fact). [ b-pin-b-y ] not biased and not relying on someone.
b-png-z-mng ] where there is injustice, there will be an [ outcry. b-q-r-hu ] meet by chance; bump into an old [ acquaintance. b-qng-zh-qng ] (a polite way to) make a presumptuous [ request. b-qi-shn-ji ] not seeking to understand things [ thoroughly; be content with basic understanding.

B0158

B0159

B0160

B0161

B0162

B0163

[ b-rn-b-gu ] in miserable physical condition. [ b-rng-zh-y ] entirely certain; no room for doubt.

B0164

14

B0165

b-sn-b-s ] dubious; shady; neither one thing nor the [ other; neither fish nor fowl.

B0166

[ b-shng-q-fn ] be fed up with the trouble. [ b-sh-ho-di ] fail to appreciate someone's kindness. [ b-sh-sh-j ] seize the opportune moment; lose no time.
b-sh-sh-w ] fail to appreciate the current situation or [ current trend. b-sh-ti-ju ] fail to appreciate someone's kind gesture or [ favour.

B0167

B0168

B0169

B0170

B0171

[ b-sh-xng-le ] out of fashion; no longer popular. [ b-sh-y-dng ] illiterate; cannot read or write. [ b-tng-fn-xing ] outstanding; out of the ordinary.
b-wn-b-wn ] not bothering to ask a question or listen to [ what has been said.

B0172

B0173

B0174

B0175

[ b-xing-shng-xi ] equally matched; about the same. [ b-xng-rn-sh ] be unconscious; be in a coma.

b-x-c-xng ] the trip has not been made in vain; it has [ been a worthwhile trip.

B0176

B0177

B0178

[ b-yn-r-y ] it goes without saying; it is self-evident.

b-y-r-fi ] disappear without trace; vanish all of a sudden; [ spread fast.

B0179

B0180

[ b-y-wi-rn ] object to; take exception to; do not approve. [ b-y-zh-ci ] (of wealth) ill-gotten gains.
[ b-yn-b-yng ] neither male nor female; rather cynical looking. b-yu-r-tng ] take the same action or view without prior [ consultation; happen to coincide.

B0181

B0182

B0183

15

B0184

b-z-shu-dun ] by fair means or foul; by hook or by [ crook; unscrupulously. b-zho-bin-de ] not to the point; neither here nor there; [ irrelevant.

B0185

B0186

[ b-zh-b-ju ] unconsciously; unwittingly. [ b-zh-su-cu ] be at a loss; be at one's wits' end. [ b-zh-xi-ch ] act shamelessly; a thick-skin (person).
b-zh-k-fu ] decline to express an opinion; be non [ committal. b-z-ling-l ] (of one's ability) over-confident; over [ estimating one's true potential.

B0187

B0188

B0189

B0190

B0191

[ b-z-wi-q ] be not at all surprised.

b-zu-b-yu ] neither left or right; prefer to be in the [ middle.

B0192

(C)
C0193

c-jin-r-gu ] brief encounter; brush past without any [ greeting. ci-hu-hng-y ] (of an able person) the talent simply [ overflows.

C0194

C0195

[ ci-mo-shung-qun ] having both talent and beauty. [ ci-sh-xu-qin ] have little talent and less learning. [ ci-m-xn-qio ] be obsessed with money, money-grabber. [ ci-q-cu-sh ] adopt a measure; take the necessary step. [ cn-bng-bi-jing ] remnants of a badly defeated army.
cn-hu-bi-li ] remnant of withered flowers. Note: (of a [ woman) lost all her youth and charm.

C0196

C0197

C0198

C0199

C0200

16

C0201

cn-b-rn-d ] too horrible or gruesome to see (with one's [ own eyes)

C0202

[ cn-b-rn-wn ] too horrible or shocking to hear about.

cn-dn-jng-yng ] carry on trading under difficult [ circumstances; a daily struggle to keep business afloat.

C0203

C0204

[ cn-ju-rn-hun ] a real tragedy beyond comparison.

cng-hi-sng-tin ] seas change wasteland. Note: nature [ facing catastrophic change.

C0205

C0206

cng-tu-l-wi ] show the tail but hide the head - only tell [ part of the truth.

C0207

[ co-co-lio-sh ] get through carelessly.

co-m-ji-bng ] every bush and tree looks like an enemy; [ in a state of extreme nervousness.

C0208

C0209

[ ch-ch-nn-fi ] unable to escape even if given wings.

chng-bi-b-xi ] always be on the alert; be ever [ prepared.

C0210

C0211

[ chng-du-ti-x ] put on a rival show; enter into rivalry.

chng-li-chng-wng ] in regular contact; knowing each [ other well. cho-fn-r-shng ] overcome the material desire and [ attain sainthood.

C0212

C0213

C0214

[ cho-qn-ju-ln ] head and shoulders above the rest.

cho-rn-w-wi ] hold aloof from the world; stay away [ from the scene of contention. ch-d-ji-ch ] completely remove (software virus); totally [ get rid of.

C0215

C0216

C0217

[ ch-d-w-ji ] completely disintegrate; total collapse.

[ chn-y-lu-yn ] fish could sink and stop birds flying.
Note: (of real feminine beauty) enough to capture all men's hearts.

C0218

17

C0219

chn-hu-d-ji ] loot a burning house; take advantage of [ somebody's misfortune.

C0220

[ chn-r-d-ti ] strike while the iron is hot. [ chng-m-ji-sh ] stare tongue-tied.

chng-xn-r-y ] find something very satisfactory; feel [ gratified. chng-xiong-do-d ] call each other brothers; be on [ intimate terms.

C0221

C0222

C0223

C0224

[ chng-ji-l-y ] marry and embark on a career.

chng-lng-pi-to ] fill in the gaps to complete a chain; [ link up parts to form a whole.

C0225

C0226

[ chng-nin-li-yu ] year in year out; for years on end.

chng-qin-shng-wn ] by the thousands and tens of [ thousands.

C0227

C0228

[ chng-qn-ji-du ] in large numbers; a large crowd.

chng-rn-zh-mi ] help somebody to fulfil his dream; give [ a hand to achieve somebody's ambition. chng-fng-p-lng ] sail through winds and waves. Note: [ going forward in a positive manner.

C0229

C0230

C0231

chng-rn-b-bi ] take advantage when someone is [ unprepared or off-guard. chng-rn-zh-wi ] take advantage of somebody's [ precarious position. chng-shng-zhu-j ] pursue and attack whilst one is [ winning.

C0232

C0233

C0234

[ chng-x-r-r ] take advantage of a loophole. [ chng-xng-r-li ] come with high spirits.

chng-x-r-r ] take advantage of a weak point (in an [ opponent's defence). chng-shng-q-xi ] form a connecting link between the [ preceding and the following.

C0235

C0236

C0237

18

C0238

chng-xin-q-hu ] inherit the past and usher in the future; [ serve as link between past and future.

C0239

[ ch-h-pio-d ] eat, drink, go whoring and gamble.

ch-h-wn-l ] eat, drink and be merry; idle away one's [ time in pleasure-seeking. ch-l-p-wi ] live off one person while secretly serving the [ interest of another.

C0240

C0241

C0242

[ ch-xn-wng-xing ] wishful thinking; fond dream. [ ch-dn-zhng-xn ] utter devotion; total loyalty. [ ch-lu-lu-de ] stark naked. [ ch-shu-kng-qun ] bare-handed; unarmed.
chng-r-b-wn ] stuff one's ears and refuse to listen; turn [ a deaf ear to.

C0243

C0244

C0245

C0246

C0247

[ chng-hn-tu-no ] turn one's head in a spin.

chng-bi-u-xing ] idol worship (of pop singers, movie [ stars, etc)

C0248

C0249

[ chng-wn-ji-mng ] relive an old dream. [ chu-mi-k-lin ] frown; looking dejected. [ chu-mng-yun-yng ] bad publicity spreads far.
chu-wi-xing-tu ] share the same rotten tastes, habits, [ etc. ch-ch-mo-l ] just come out of one's cottage. Note: an [ absolute beginner making his first appearance.

C0250

C0251

C0252

C0253

C0254

ch-b-go-ji ] already won an initial victory; met with first [ triumph.

C0255

[ ch-l-fng-mng ] display one's talent for the first time. [ ch-gui-l-chu ] make a fool of oneself.

C0256

19

C0257

ch-h-y-lio ] contrary to one's expectations; not as [ anticipated. ch-ku-chng-zhng ] words flow from the mouth as from [ the pen of a master. ch-li-b-cu ] stand out from one's fellows; be out of the [ common run.

C0258

C0259

C0260

[ ch-mi-w-chng ] appear and disappear irregularly . [ ch-min-dn-bo ] assure; guarantee; vouch for. [ ch-mu-hu-c ] give counsel; mastermind a scheme.
ch-q-b-y ] take somebody by surprise; catch someone [ unaware. ch-q-zh-shng ] defeat one's opponent by a surprise [ move. ch-rn-tu-d ] head and shoulders above others; stand [ out among men.

C0261

C0262

C0263

C0264

C0265

C0266

[ ch-rn-y-lio ] come as surprise.

ch-shng-r-s ] go through fire and water; brave untold [ dangers.

C0267

C0268

[ ch-shn-r-hu ] reach the acme of perfection; be superb. [ ch-tu-l-min ] appear in public; be in the limelight.
ch-y-gng-xn ] keep the public interest in mind; act [ without any selfish considerations.

C0269

C0270

C0271

[ ch--w-jn ] evil must be completely eradicated. [ ch-ji-b-xn ] get rid of the old to make way for the new. [ chun-zhn-yn-xin ] act as a go-between.
chu-hu-zh-l ] the effort needed to blow away a speck of [ dust; just a very tiny effort.

C0272

C0273

C0274

C0275

[ chu-mo-qi-c ] finding fault; nitpicking.

20

C0276

chu-shu-k-de ] obtain with ease; not having to pay a [ price.

C0277

[ chu-tu-sng-q ] dejected; unhappy.

chn-fng-mn-min ] beaming with satisfaction; radiant [ with happiness. chu-chu-yu-y ] more than sufficient; have enough to [ spare.

C0278

C0279

C0280

[ c-b-d-y ] the words fail to convey the idea. [ c-sh-c-k ] at this very moment. [ cng-rng-b-p ] remain calm; unruffled.
cng-rng-ji-y ] meet one's death without showing a [ thread of fear. cng-shn-r-li ] follow advice as naturally as a river [ follows its course; ready to accept good advice. c-ch-dn-fn ] plain tea and simple food. Note: a [ spendthrift lifestyle.

C0281

C0282

C0283

C0284

C0285

C0286

c-xn-d-y ] lack of caution; not paying attention for detail [ or accuracy. c-zh-d-y ] crude and clumsy. Note: (of certain type of [ people) not good at details.

C0287

C0288

[ cn-xn-b-ling ] habour certain bad intentions.

cn-b-b-rng ] refuse to give in even an inch; not giving [ way whatsoever. cn-b-nn-xng ] very difficult to move (even a single [ step). cn-co-b-shng ] not even a blade of grass can grow; a [ wasteland.. cn-t-b-zhng ] fight for even an inch of land; will not give [ way to the enemy. cu-shu-dn-jio ] move one's hands and stamp one's [ feet; get anxious and impatient.

C0289

C0290

C0291

C0292

C0293

C0294

[ cu-tu-su-yu ] idle away one's time (year after year).

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C0295

[ cu-sh-ling-j ] miss a golden opportunity.

cu-shu-b-j ] be caught unprepared; just too late to [ prepare for it.

C0296

(D)
D0297

d-bo-b-png ] take up the case for the injured party; [ defend somebody against an injustice. d-co-jng-sh ] beat the grass and frighten away the [ snake; act rashly and alert the enemy. d-de-hu-r ] be on terms of intimacy; be as thick as [ thieves.

D0298

D0299

D0300

[ d-gu-jio-do ] have dealings with (someone in the past).

d-ki-xn-fng ] open up one's heart; be open-minded; [ ready to listen to new ideas. d-lu-shu-gu ] beat a drowning dog; to completely crush [ a defeated enemy. d-qio-bin-g ] speak or act to support somebody; back [ up someone in public. d-tu-tng-g ] make a retreat; back out (from competition, [ argument, etc). d-ci-xio-yng ] use talented people for trivial tasks; [ waste one's talent on an ordinary job.

D0301

D0302

D0303

D0304

D0305

D0306

[ d-cho-d-no ] kick up big and loud arguments. [ d-ch-y-jng ] a big shock; jumping out of one's skin.
d-d-fng-fng ] conduct oneself normally and properly [ (as opposed to being timid).

D0307

D0308

D0309

[ d-dng-gn-g ] make a big fuss over small matter. [ d-f-li-tng ] fly into a rage; get very furious.

D0310

22