| Entry | Pinyin | Meaning | English Equivalent | Story? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 各抒己见 | gè shū jǐ jiàn |
Each expresses their own views |
None |
No |
| 根深蒂固 | gēn shēn dì gù |
Used to indicate that something's foundation is solid and unmovable. Often refers to organizations/groups or strength/power |
None |
No |
| 供不应求 | gōng bù yìng qiú |
Supply does not meet demand |
None |
No |
| 瓜田李下 | guā tián lǐ xià |
Refers to a situation or behavior that quickly draws suspicion; unintentionally suspicious behavior |
None |
Yes |
| 拐弯抹角 | guǎi wān mò jiǎo |
To speak or write in a roundabout fashion |
To beat around the bush |
No |
| 归根到底 | guī gēn dào dǐ |
Ultimately; fundamentally; in the end; overall; essentially |
None |
No |
| 过河拆桥 | guò hé chāi qiáo |
When someone abandons those who helped them upon realizing their goal |
Kick down the ladder |
Yes |
| 海底捞针 | hǎi dǐ lāo zhēn |
Used to describe something that is very difficult to find |
Find a needle in a haystack |
No |
| 害群之马 | hài qún zhī mǎ |
Refers to a person that has a negative influence on the group that they're in |
Rotten apple |
Yes |
| 邯郸学步 | hán dān xué bù |
To describe situations where someone, in blindly trying to mimic others, not only fails to succeed, but also forgets the skills and strengths that they originally had |
None |
Yes |
| 好好先生 | hǎo hǎo xiān shēng |
Refers to a people pleaser who just parrots what others say and who ignores right and wrong. Originally referred to 司马徽 (Sī Mǎ Huī)'s tendency to only say good things about other people — see story |
People pleaser |
Yes |
| 鹤立鸡群 | hè lì jī qún |
When a person's appearance or intellect makes them stand out amongst their peers |
Stand out from the crowd |
Yes |
| 后顾之忧 | hòu gù zhī yōu |
This refers to anxiety that one may feel about something at home or something that is physically behind them (such as an attack) |
None |
Yes |
| 狐假虎威 | hú jiǎ hǔ wēi |
Refers to using powerful connections to intimidate or oppress people |
None |
Yes |
| 虎踞龙盘 | hǔ jù lóng pán |
Refers to a location that is strategically placed and difficult to access, especially in the context of the city of 南京 (Nán Jīng) |
None |
Yes |
| 囫囵吞枣 | hú lún tūn zǎo |
To accept information with insufficient analysis or consideration |
Accept without thinking |
Yes |
| 胡说八道 | hú shuō bā dào |
To talk absolute nonsense or rubbish |
None |
No |
| 虎头蛇尾 | hǔ tóu shé wěi |
Used when someone starts doing something with great effort and vigor, but then fizzles out and ends weak |
None |
No |
| 画饼充饥 | huà bǐng chōng jī |
To fantasize to console oneself; also refers to items with undeserving reputations serving no purpose when used |
None |
Yes |
| 画龙点睛 | huà lóng diǎn jīng |
To add detail that drives home a point or brings a piece of work to life. Generally refers to artwork, speeches, and writings. |
Finishing touch |
Yes |
| 画蛇添足 | huà shé tiān zú |
To ruin the effect by adding something superfluous; to overdo something |
None |
Yes |
| 恍然大悟 | huǎng rán dà wù |
To abruptly understand/realize |
To hit someone (referring to an idea, a realization, etc) |
No |
| 讳莫如深 | huì mò rú shēn |
To closely guard a secret |
None |
Yes |
| 火冒三丈 | huǒ mào sān zhàng |
To become enraged |
None |
No |
| 急功近利 | jí gōng jìn lì |
Eager to obtain a benefit or result within a short time period |
None |
No |