| Entry | Pinyin | Meaning | English Equivalent | Story? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 举一反三 | jǔ yī fǎn sān |
Used to indicate that one can infer many things after receiving just one piece of information |
None |
Yes |
| 举足轻重 | jǔ zú qīng zhòng |
To play a critical or influential role |
None |
Yes |
| 开天辟地 | kāi tiān pì dì |
This is used to indicate that something is unprecedented/the first of its kind |
Unprecedented |
Yes |
| 侃侃而谈 | kǎn kǎn ér tán |
To speak unhurriedly and with the confidence that you are correct |
None |
No |
| 刻不容缓 | kè bù róng huǎn |
Used to indicate that something is extremely pressing or urgent |
To brook no delay |
No |
| 刻舟求剑 | kè zhōu qiú jiàn |
To describe people who obstinately stick to their ways and can't adapt when circumstances change |
None |
Yes |
| 空前绝后 | kōng qián jué hòu |
To never have had before and to never have again. Often used to describe a unique achievement or occasion. |
None |
Yes |
| 空中楼阁 | kōng zhōng lóu gé |
Refers to unrealistic plans or ideas, as well as imaginary or fictional things |
None |
Yes |
| 口蜜腹剑 | kǒu mì fù jiàn |
Describes a person who appears friendly and talks kindly, but who in reality is actually treacherous |
Snake in the grass |
Yes |
| 苦尽甘来 | kǔ jìn gān lái |
Refers to one's life taking a turn for the better |
None |
No |
| 哭笑不得 | kū xiào bù dé |
Refers to when someone doesn't know how to respond to a situation; to be frustrated and amused at the same time |
To not know whether to laugh or cry |
No |
| 夸父追日 | kuā fù zhuī rì |
To overestimate one's abilities. Originally used to highlight one's determination |
None |
Yes |
| 来龙去脉 | lái lóng qù mài |
Originally referring to how the rise and fall of mountain peaks looks like dragon veins, this chengyu now generally refers to:
|
The ins and outs |
No |
| 滥竽充数 | làn yú chōng shù |
To pass off inferior goods as superior ones; to pretend to have a talent and work alongside those who actually do have that talent |
None |
Yes |
| 狼吞虎咽 | láng tūn hǔ yàn |
To eat something rapidly and violently |
To wolf down one's food |
No |
| 老马识途 | lǎo mǎ shī tú |
Refers to a person who knows how to do something or resolve an issue due to their extensive experience |
None |
Yes |
| 乐不思蜀 | lè bù sī shǔ |
To be so content that you don't think about returning to your roots or where you came from |
None |
Yes |
| 礼尚往来 | lǐ shàng wǎng lái |
To respond to someone with the same amount of courtesy they used with you. Often used in the context of gifts. |
None |
No |
| 理所当然 | lǐ suǒ dāng rán |
This indicates that something is how it is rationally expected to be |
None |
No |
| 力所能及 | lì suǒ néng jí |
To do something within the scope of one's ability |
None |
No |
| 理直气壮 | lǐ zhí qì zhuàng |
To act assuredly and boldly because your reasoning is sound and just. Often used in reference to speaking. |
None |
No |
| 柳暗花明 | liǔ àn huā míng |
To experience a positive turn of events when one is in the middle of a crisis or struggle. Also can describe beautiful scenery |
Light at the end of the tunnel |
Yes |
| 鹿死谁手 | lù sǐ shéi shǒu |
To determine who the winner of a competition is after having to wait a long time. Previously used to indicate that it was unknown where political power would fall |
None |
Yes |
| 乱七八糟 | luàn qī bā zāo |
Refers to something extremely disorderly or chaotic |
None |
Yes |
| 洛阳纸贵 | luò yáng zhǐ guì |
This is used to praise a literary work and say that it is widely known |
None |
Yes |