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To love something so much that you cannot part with it

To invert the importance of something; to not understand something's true value; to not understand something's fundamental point or premise

To love someone so much that even things related to that person are loved as well

Indicates that one is content with living modestly

To use underhanded methods to secretly attack or harm someone

To live peacefully and work happily

Used to indicate someone or something is safe and without illness

Indicates items are extremely sturdy and unable to break, often in the context of buildings or structures. It also can be used to describe someone who is calm and collected under pressure

To follow clues to search for something; to be unable to change one's ways or adapt

When someone is impatient for something and tries to hurry things along, only to have the results turn out to be the opposite of what they wanted

Used when one knows a task well and performs it with precision. Also used to indicate one is a skilled marksman

To be equally matched with the other party; to be almost the same

When someone incompetent or unskilled overestimates their abilities and "shows off" to someone who actually is skilled

To barely know another person; to have met only once before

To stop or give up halfway

Describes people who have experienced the world changing many times

To scare oneself by being overly suspicious or paranoid; to be jumpy

Describes a make-or-break situation where retreat is not possible

Indicates that one has inverted the importance or order of two things

Refers to when people with limited ability begin a task early so as not to fall behind

To close the door and think on one's past mistakes

To highly treasure something despite the fact that it doesn't really have any inherent value; sentimental attachment

To use deception to confuse the enemy during war. Also refers to using tricks to deceive people

A situation that is so serious it cannot be resolved

Used to indicate that one's studies, published works, or thinking is extensive

Often used to describe that someone is modest and good student

To act or speak based on unfounded evidence or rumors

Refers to situations or people that have worsened beyond the point of repair or helping (figurative or literal)

Unbelievable; unimaginable

To be about the same; to have a very small difference

To consider something not worthy of attention or consideration

This effectively means "it goes without saying," and it's generally used the same way as in English

To do the same thing without prior consultation or agreement

Refers to using any method in order to achieve one's goal

Refers to large-scale transformations or changes (of places, people, etc)

To describe people who are in a state of acute nervousness, fear, or suspicion

To look askance at someone, particularly out of fear or indignation

Repeatedly emerging one after the other without an end in sight

This effectively means "long story short," and it's used the same way as in English

Refers to using some kind of method to conceal one's weakness from the enemy. Also can indicate that something or one's stomach is empty, or that a company's employees are mostly out of the office (for group travel, etc)

Used to indicate that something is directly in line with one's wishes

An extraordinarily beautiful woman

Refers to someone with great ambition, or someone who takes action without fear of hardship. Also indicates that things develop very rapidly

Refers to deeply respecting one's teacher and their teachings; to walk on foot

To take advantage of another's crisis or weakness by using blackmail or some other form of coercion

Outflow of skilled workers; talented people go elsewhere for work; brain drain

To have just started one's career; to be entering society to work for the first time; lacking in experience

In modern Chinese, this refers to when one's behavior is contradictory or inconsistent. Originally, this phrase was used to indicate that others would treat you like you treated them

This refers to a unending stream of objects (cars, people, etc)

This indicates that two sides — and by extension their losses and gains — are interrelated

To inadvertently alert an enemy due to one's own conspicuous actions

To put the interests of the people and country ahead of one's own; to handle matters justly and fairly

Indicates that people of great talent make take longer to develop their skills and may accomplish great things relatively later in life

To be dumbstruck with fear or shock

Something that should be done urgently; the most important task amongst all other tasks that must be done

Hearsay, gossip, rumors; information that does not have factual basis

The gains do not compensate for the losses

Indicates that one is greedy and insatiable; that one's hopes desires get increasingly large

To enjoy particularly beneficial characteristics or conditions; gifted by nature

Describes carelessness or forgetfulness

To regain one's strength or power after previously losing it

Refers to blindly imitating others and ending up achieving the opposite of what was intended

To look in all directions; to look all around

To try to use reason or logic with someone who understands neither; to use jargon with someone who won't understand it. Often used to mock or satirize.

To take the correct steps to resolve a problem or situation

To commit endless crimes and deserve judgement/damnation

To stop a bad idea or action at its inception so that it does not become worse

Used in situations where someone is digging their own grave or causing their own ruin

To be completely absorbed in one's work; to focus on something with single-minded devotion

This is a catch-all phrase for mammals and birds

A small change or disturbance, or the sign of either of these

Extremely rare and scarce

Refers to the customs and characteristics that are unique to a specific location

To formally offer a sincere apology

Describes situations where the outcome can't be reversed or changed. Often used in reference to divorce.

Calm and unperturbed

Each expresses their own views

Used to indicate that something's foundation is solid and unmovable. Often refers to organizations/groups or strength/power

Supply does not meet demand

Refers to a situation or behavior that quickly draws suspicion; unintentionally suspicious behavior

To speak or write in a roundabout fashion

Ultimately; fundamentally; in the end; overall; essentially

When someone abandons those who helped them upon realizing their goal

Used to describe something that is very difficult to find

Refers to a person that has a negative influence on the group that they're in

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

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

When a person's appearance or intellect makes them stand out amongst their peers

This refers to anxiety that one may feel about something at home or something that is physically behind them (such as an attack)

Refers to using powerful connections to intimidate or oppress people

Refers to a location that is strategically placed and difficult to access, especially in the context of the city of 南京 (Nán Jīng)

To accept information with insufficient analysis or consideration

To talk absolute nonsense or rubbish

Used when someone starts doing something with great effort and vigor, but then fizzles out and ends weak

To fantasize to console oneself; also refers to items with undeserving reputations serving no purpose when used

To add detail that drives home a point or brings a piece of work to life. Generally refers to artwork, speeches, and writings.

To ruin the effect by adding something superfluous; to overdo something

To abruptly understand/realize

To closely guard a secret

To become enraged

Eager to obtain a benefit or result within a short time period

To want to achieve one's goals or desires very quickly; impatient for results

Inexpensive but of good quality (of a good)

Used to indicate that something is known to everyone

Refers to something extremely costly and/or precious

Refers to someone who has experienced a lot and who is very knowledgeable

Often used in reference to someone fearlessly saving someone from a dangerous situation

This is used to indicate that one's intellect or ability has faded

Refers to the defeat that must inevitably come when underestimating one's enemy

To be practical, earnest, and realistic; to do things very steadily and dependably

To completely exhaust one's strength or efforts

Refers to assistance or charity given in a humiliating or malicious fashion

Indicates two things are drastically different

When people focus only on immediate interests and don't make any long-term plans or considerations; to stop at nothing to achieve a goal regardless of the potential consequences

Describes great interest or pleasure in doing something

To improve upon something that is already good

To meticulously plan the usage of human labor and/or physical resources so that there is no waste

Refers to a person with limited outlook, wisdom, or life experience; a narrow-minded person

Someone who has been been frightened in the past and therefore is easily startled now

Cautious and conscientious; diligent

Indicates when things have very clear boundaries or are very different

Indicates that one's will is strong and resolute. Sometimes and originally used to indicate that one's hatred ran deep and that they vowed retaliation

To strive to improve something that is already good. Often used in the context of studying or art.

Refers to something extremely insignificant, small, or trivial; something not worth mentioning

To intensely concentrate on something

To receive worldwide attention

Used to indicate that one can infer many things after receiving just one piece of information

To play a critical or influential role

This is used to indicate that something is unprecedented/the first of its kind

To speak unhurriedly and with the confidence that you are correct

Used to indicate that something is extremely pressing or urgent

To describe people who obstinately stick to their ways and can't adapt when circumstances change

To never have had before and to never have again. Often used to describe a unique achievement or occasion.

Refers to unrealistic plans or ideas, as well as imaginary or fictional things

Describes a person who appears friendly and talks kindly, but who in reality is actually treacherous

Refers to one's life taking a turn for the better

Refers to when someone doesn't know how to respond to a situation; to be frustrated and amused at the same time

To overestimate one's abilities. Originally used to highlight one's determination

Originally referring to how the rise and fall of mountain peaks looks like dragon veins, this chengyu now generally refers to:
a) Someone or something's background
b) Someone or something's entire process of development from start to finish

To pass off inferior goods as superior ones; to pretend to have a talent and work alongside those who actually do have that talent

To eat something rapidly and violently

Refers to a person who knows how to do something or resolve an issue due to their extensive experience

To be so content that you don't think about returning to your roots or where you came from

To respond to someone with the same amount of courtesy they used with you. Often used in the context of gifts.

This indicates that something is how it is rationally expected to be

To do something within the scope of one's ability

To act assuredly and boldly because your reasoning is sound and just. Often used in reference to speaking.

To experience a positive turn of events when one is in the middle of a crisis or struggle. Also can describe beautiful scenery

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

Refers to something extremely disorderly or chaotic

This is used to praise a literary work and say that it is widely known

Continuous; incessant

To do something shoddily, carelessly, or with minimal effort; to do something unwillingly; to do something with difficulty

Used to indicate one has poor judgement

To have everyone talk about you, an exposed secret, or something eventful that has happened. Originally used to describe fall scenery

To draw broad conclusions based off one's partial understanding of a topic

To recommend oneself for an important position; to actively take upon an important responsibility

Refers to something that overall is flawless but has one small issue

Indicates a home or store with very few visitors

Refers to something false or unreal

To create a good environment for one's children to learn and study

To have others conceal the truth about things happening in one's life; to not be in the know

The name/reputation matches reality

To fail a test or not be selected for a position

Describes something that is very strange, unexplainable, and/or leaves people confused

An grandiose illusion or dream; also refers to how something can suddenly turn to ruin

Refers to something that is precious and worthy of praise because it was difficult to realize

Used to indicate that actions and goals are opposite or contradictory

Refers to a husband and wife who have been physically apart for a long time

Describes strength and spirit that can transform the world

To still have feelings after the relationship is over; for the relationship to be formally over, but for those involved to remain connected

To voice one's shallow or poorly-formed ideas to encourage others to voice their more valuable and better-formed ideas

Describes someone very impatient or in a hurry

To be willing to sacrifice everything to obtain one's goals; to refuse to retreat in a life-or-death battle

To rekindle a relationship after separation (of a married couple)

Indicates opponents are evenly matched

Used to indicate that a situation is extremely difficult to remain in, but that because of the nature of the situation, one cannot extricate themselves from it

Up through now; so far

To search for something that one already has; to search for another job because one finds their current one unsatisfactory

To have groundless or baseless fears

To work together with others to achieve a common purpose

Nonsense; outrageous; preposterous; ridiculous

Words or actions done to exactly the right extent/degree/step

To learn from previous mistakes

Refers to one trying to do something by every means possible

To have all of one's work completely undone; to have one's previous efforts be expended in vain

Refers to a something that is extremely critical or dangerous

Refers to a gift that has deep meaning despite not inherently being valuable or significant

To use up one's already limited abilities

To imperceptibly influence a person's thoughts, behavior, or habits

To pursue something unrelentingly; to persevere

Refers also to the innocent friendship between a young boy and a girl

To take preventative measures to prevent a disaster

To put all of one's effort and strength into doing something

To be extremely moved; to be extremely sorrowful

Used to refer to a heavily crowded place

To have great responsibility for a long period of time

This is used to indicate that changes/developments are very rapid and frequent

Refers to strong and powerful people becoming even stronger

Used to indicate that one's views and/or theories are insightful and penetrating. Also used to indicate that one's calligraphy is written forcefully and vigorously

When you travel somewhere and comply with the local customs

For someone to be in an environment or with a person that best suits them

Used to refer to situations where one has suffered a loss but actually ends up better off because of it; indicates that bad situations can become good ones

Used to refer to an unexpected misfortune, especially death

To earnestly and repeatedly extend an offer

Indicates a situation where a rumor, repeated by enough people, can make people believe that it's true

To punish one person as a warning to others

To practice fraud; to conspire to do something evil or illegal

A magnificent work

Deep feelings of friendship

To properly address and handle a situation; to derive the truth from what is happening around you

Refers to a place that is not impacted by the world around it; refers to an idyllic place

Refers to someone who clings to past experience and won't adapt; also to describe someone who wants to profit or benefit without doing any work

This indicates that practice makes perfect or leads to great technique

To be one of the very best

To simultaneously approach a task from two directions

Indicates that small efforts can achieve great results if expended continuously over a long period of time

When the truth surrounding something comes to light

To feel as though one cannot adapt to changes in one's environment

This means "it's a long story," and it's used the same way as in English

To drift about from place to place; to make home out of wherever one is

A common occurrence; commonly seen

To narrowly avoid death

Refers to when one is cut off from help when being attacked on all sides or in a difficult situation

Describes objects that are placed in a firm and steady position; describes behavior and words that are reliable and steady. Also describes someone whose behavior is a bit too cautious or lacking in initiative

Often used when describing the efforts of bad people

When you congratulate a friend on their promotion or new position, and they congratulate you back (because they'll probably use their connections to get you a job or a promotion as well)

To become frightened at the mere mention of something terrible, so much so that one's face even goes pale

Take bribes and circumvent the law

To haggle over an item's price; to bargain (over an item, an arrangement, etc)

Indicates that something continues without stopping. Can be used in reference to one's speech

The happiness that comes from family gathering together

Indicates that something is absolutely perfect; without even a single flaw

When doing a task, all you need to do is persevere, and success will come naturally

To take everything into account while planning

To do bad things with bad people; to associate oneself with bad trends or social customs due to lack of personal principles

Refers to an educated person who abandons their life as a scholar to join the military

When the truth is revealed at the end of some event

This refers to when someone casts aside or even kills the person(s) who helped them accomplish a task

To deliberately avoid or retreat from a situation or person

To be uncertain what to say when speaking; to be unwilling or hesitant to say something directly

To return something undamaged to its original owner

To be very persuasive

Refers to situations where one's hopes cannot be realized, so one must resort to using imagination to comfort oneself

When, after experiencing some sort of issue, someone takes timely steps to ensure that they don't face that issue again

To feel helpless when attempting to do a task because of one's inadequacies or shortcomings. Originally referred to standing before a great object or creature and lamenting one's insignificance

To hope that one's son will become successful and noble

So tiny and insignificant that it's not worth mentioning

To plan in advance

Refers to when one pushes oneself to realize a goal (esp. to become more powerful or wealthy) despite hardship or difficulty

Not feeling anything towards something that you should have feelings for; utterly unmoved; aloof; indifferent

Used to indicate that something is absolute nonsense

To be in low spirits; to be listless

To cause a disturbance without reason

To not have power or to have insufficient power. Often used in reference to doing a task or resolving a problem

Without limitation; without end

Describes one caring or attending to something meticulously

To spread like wildfire; to vanish without a trace

Complete free of worries or concerns

To be well-received or welcomed

To think of every means possible

Refers to two things that mutually help each other develop or grow; two things that complement and supplement one another

To exaggerate the size of a problem

To do with extreme caution

Used to reference the fact that new things grow and replace old things. Also refers to metabolism in biology

To be very willing or happy to do something. Often used to refer to doing some kind of sacrifice

To expend a lot of effort but have things get worse and worse

This is used to indicate that a career, activity, or enterprise is developing very well

Jubilant; in extremely high spirits

To be deeply interested; to be in extremely good spirits; ebullient

To be prepared; to have a plan in advance

To not get involved with or offer assistance for something that is happening

Tall and precipitous rock features (of a mountain)

Suffer another disaster or calamity right after suffering an initial disaster or calamity

To provide help in one's hour of need

Eventually; gradually; slowly; deliberately

Refers to absolute silence

To deceive oneself and others; to aim to conceal something that cannot be concealed

Refers to when one has high standards but lacks the ability to reach them

To pretend to like something despite not actually liking it

To have too high an opinion of oneself; to be highly arrogant

Indicates that something happens very smoothly or without even the tiniest setback

A generous reward given in return for receiving one's assistance or favor

To go all out; to do one's best; to get something finished with a single effort

To achieve two things despite taking only a single action

Love at first sight

To achieve two goals with a single action

Used when someone is bent on/wholeheartedly focused on/single-mindedly doing something

This is used when a person generally does not appear to do anything impressive/be out of the ordinary, but then astounds others by accomplishing a great feat

To be exactly alike

Obvious at a glance

To make good on a promise; to stay true to one's word; to have one's word be honest and reliable

To not understand a single thing that's going on; to be exceptionally ignorant. Often used to ridicule others' foolishness or stupidity.

As usual; as always; as before; as ever

This is used to describe that someone does something very carefully and meticulously

Refers to words that are influential or play a decisive role in something

To be unable to see the true origin of the problem or the situation as a whole because a part of the problem is particularly perplexing

Indicates that places or people are separated only by water; indicates that the interactions between people and goods are frequent and unaffected by small distance between them

To pierce to the heart of a matter with a single concise comment

Often used to refer to someone who excels at correcting or improving written works

To use destructive methods to get oneself out of a current difficulty without caring about that method's consequences

To think a small issue much bigger than it actually is and end up creating trouble for oneself

Survival of the fittest

To do something in an orderly or systematic fashion

Refers to when a third party benefits from the struggle of others

To have resolute will and not be afraid of hardship and difficulty

To attempt something impossible; refers to a scheme that is difficult to accomplish because it involves hurting one of the involved parties

To steadily increase or grow

To be unable to realize one's goals due to improper strategy

To make unceasing attempts; to repeatedly exert oneself

To study very diligently despite facing hardship

Indicates that one's behavior is resolute and decisive

This is used to describe something as full of energy, vigor, or vitality

When someone is being fickle, behaving capriciously, or constantly changing their mind

To be evenly matched with one's opponent; to have completely different opinions and/or actions than one's opponent

To be ready to jump into combat at any time

To fight to be ahead and fear to fall behind

To directly attack the enemy's stronghold

To deliberately distort the truth

This chengyu refers to empty theoretical discussion of an issue that won't actually serve to resolve that issue. It also refers to idle discussion that can't become reality

To be happy because what you already have is sufficient

Used to comment on the power of public opinion. Also used to say that widespread rumors can be enough to confound what is right/wrong or can obscure the truth

As is commonly known; as everyone knows

To accomplish tasks via one's own efforts; self-reliance

Used when words or actions are contradictory

Refers to when one thinks oneself clever and makes decisions based only off of one's own opinions

To sum things up; overall; in brief

To observe something without noticing the minute details; to hastily look at something and only gain a cursory or rough understanding of it