Meaning of the Idiom

hou qi zhi xiu（an up-and-coming youngster）

In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wang Chen showed his talent as a teenager and was highly appreciated by his friends and relatives. His uncle Fan Ning, a famous scholar at that time, also held Wang Chen in high regard. When famous scholars visited him, he would always let Wang Chen be present to receive him.

Once, when Wang Chen went to visit his uncle, he met Zhang Xuan, a famous scholar. Zhang Xuan had heard that Wang Chen was of great interest and wanted to talk to him. He was older than Wang Chen and naturally wanted Wang Chen to greet him first, so he sat upright and waited. Unexpectedly, Wang Chen saw Zhang Xuan like this, he despised him. They sat opposite each other for a while, and Zhang Xuan left disgruntled.

Afterwards, Fan Ning scolded Wang Chen and said, “Zhang Xuan is an excellent talent in Wuzhong. Why don’t you talk to him? Wang Chen arrogantly replied, “If he really wanted to keep company with me, he could have come to talk to me.” Upon hearing this, Fan Ning, on the contrary, praised his nephew: “You are so graceful and elegant, you are really an excellent talent later.”

Yuchen answered with a smile,” Without an uncle like you, how can I have such a nephew?”

后起之秀

 [hòu qǐ zhī xiù]，比喻后辈中成长起来的优秀人物。

出自《世说新语·赏誉》。

例句

在这个行业里，他算是后起之秀了。

青年教师是我们学校的后起之秀，大家应该多关心爱护他们才对。

这个人是足球圈的后起之秀，英国的职业球队决定聘他为该队成员。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
直言	意思是指诚挚地和直率地说。 例句：他丝毫没有犹豫，直言对方的失误。	speak bluntly
为人处世	为人就是做人，“处”就是处理、接触。总的意思就是一个人生活在世上对待事情以及事务的处理方式与方法 例句：您推崇真诚和廉洁，以此视作为人处世的准则，实在让人敬佩。	Deal with interpersonal relationship
博览群书	意思是指广泛阅读各类书籍，形容学识渊博。 例句：许多学者做学问时都博览群书，广采了众家之长。	well-read
知书达理	形容人有教养、通事理、懂礼仪。 例句：老师希望我们健康成长，要知书达理，全面发展。	educated and reasonable
待人接物	指跟别人往来接触。 例句：小芳待人接物态度落落大方。	the ways one gets along with others
入仕	意思是入朝作官。 例句：白居易从早年的入仕到晚年出世，一直都在“出仕”与“归隐”的矛盾中徘徊。	be an official
高朋满座	意思是高贵的朋友坐满了席位；形容宾客很多。 例句：父親生性好客，家里時常高朋滿座。	Guests and friends filled up the room.
志趣	指志向与情趣；心意所向。 例句：我的志趣不是行医。	aspiration
正襟危坐	意思是整一整衣服，端正地坐着。形容严肃或拘谨的样子。 例句：宴会气氛冷冰冰的，尽是些陈词滥调，可所有的人仍然正襟危坐，难掩虚伪的态度。	be serious
装腔作势	意思是故意装出一种腔调，做出一种姿势，用来比喻故意做作。 例句：我不喜欢她那装腔作势的样子。	strike an attitude
怏怏而去	指很没趣的状态离开了。 例句：在被所有人都奚落以后，树先生只好怏怏而去。	Displeased and went away
以礼相待	意思是用应有的礼节加以接待。 例句：全体职员接受训练，以便在任何时候对顾客都以礼相待。	treat sb. with due respect
投机	指利用时机谋取私利。 例句：上千的退休人员被劝说抵押他们的房子，用来投资投机性的债券，结果确损失惨重。	speculation

Meaning of the Idiom

dao ting tu shuo（to pick up what has been heard on the way）

In ancient times, in a village, there were two neighbors, one named Ai Zi and the other named Mao Kong.

Ai Zi is a very learned person, but his neighbor Mao Kong is just the opposite. He has no culture and looks down on Ai Zi very much, thinking that he is a hundred times better than Ai Zi. Therefore, he always wanted to prove that he was stronger than Ai Zi.

One day, Mao Kong told Ai Zi: “A duck lays a hundred eggs at a time”. Ai didn’t believe it. Mao Kong said, “It was born from two ducks.” Aiko still doesn’t believe it. Mao Kong then told Ai Zi, “Do you believe there is a piece of meat that is thirty feet long and twenty feet wide?” Ai Zi still didn’t believe it.

Ai Zi asked Mao Kong: “Whose is the duck you mentioned? Where did the meat fall?”

Mao Kong had no choice but to say, “Everything I say is what I listen to others on the road.”

道听途说

 [dào tīng tú shuō]，指道路上听来又在道路上传播出去；比喻毫无根据的传闻。

出自春秋·孔子弟子及再传弟子《论语·阳货》。

例句

一切要用事实说话，切不可道听途说。

请别轻易相信道听途说的消息。

道听途说的消息往往是不可靠的。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
悬殊	指两方实力或经济差距大，形容差别之大。 例句：这两支球队的实力相差太悬殊。	great disparity
学富五车	指读书很多，学问渊博。 例句：该教授是一位学富五车的女性。	be wealthy in knowledge
慕名	意思为羡慕人家的好名声。 例句：自从兵马俑出土以来，不少中外旅游者纷纷慕名而来，西安更成了世人瞩目的地方。	out of admiration for a famous person
甘拜下风	指真心佩服别人，承认自己不如别人。比喻处于劣势地位。 例句：这几局棋你都赢了，我甘拜下风。	candidly admit defeat
逞能	指炫耀、显示自己的才能（含贬义），有夸大其词的意味。 例句：这几个大包太沉了，一个人根本搬不动，你再别这样逞能了！	show off one’s skill or ability
炫耀	指从各方面（多指金钱、权力、地位等）特意强调自己（略带夸大自己，看轻别人的意思）。 例句：他不是一个爱炫耀自己成就的人。	show off
理亏	意思为理由不充足，没有道理。 例句：后来他们自觉理亏，改变了态度。	be in the wrong
支支吾吾	指说话时言语遮遮掩掩，吞吞吐吐，含混躲闪。 例句：别支支吾吾的，快回答我的问题！	equivocate

Meaning of the Idiom

gao shan liu shui（lofty mountains and flowing water）

In the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), there was a man named Yu Boya. He was a famous lute player who was proficient in melody. When he was young, Yu Boya was bright and eager to learn. He used to worship high people as his teacher and his guqin skills reached a very high level. However, he always felt that he was not able to express his feelings for various things excellently. Knowing his idea, Boya’s teacher took him by boat to Penglai Island in the East China Sea so that he could enjoy the scenery of nature and listen to the waves of the sea. When Boya looked up, he saw the waves surging and the waves splashing. Seabirds flutter and sing in their ears; Mountains and trees, lush, such as into the fairyland. A wonderful feeling arises spontaneously, as if the ear of the harmonious music of nature. He could not help picking up the guqin and playing it, turning the notes at will, blending the beauty of nature into the music. Boya experienced an unprecedented state. The teacher told him, “You have learned.”

Once, a boat trip to Boya. Facing the breeze and the bright moon, his mind was full of thoughts, so he began to play the guqin again, and the sound was melodious. Suddenly heard a shout from the shore. Hearing the sound, Boya got out of the boat and saw a woodcutter standing on the bank. He knew that this man was a good friend and immediately asked the woodcutter to get on board and played for him with great enthusiasm. When Boya played a song of praise for the mountains, the woodcutter said, “Good! Majestic and solemn, like the towering Mount Tai!” When he played to represent the surging waves, the woodcutter said, “Good! Broad and vast, like seeing rolling water, boundless sea general!” Boya was excited and said excitedly, “Bosom friend! You are my bosom friend.” The woodcutter was Zhong Ziqi. The two became very good friends and agreed to meet again the following year.

However, Boya never saw Zhong Ziqi again because he had died of illness. After playing the last piece in front of Zhong Ziqi’s tomb, Boya broke the guqin and never played it again.

高山流水

 [gāo shān liú shuǐ]，比喻知己或知音，也比喻乐曲高妙。

出自《列子·汤问》。

例句

这种高山流水之乐，真是人间难得几回闻。 

现在流行音乐充斥，这种乐曲恐怕是高山流水，难有人欣赏。

这位钢琴家演奏的乐曲，有如高山流水，听得人如痴如醉。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
聪颖好学	颖是出众；聪颖好学就是聪明好学的意思。 例句：他从小就聪颖好学，是远近闻名的神童。	Smart and eager to learn
出神入化	意思是形容技艺高超达到了绝妙的境界。 例句：经过几十年的磨练，他的剑术已经到了出神入化的程度。	reach the acme of perfection
举目眺望	意思是抬头望向很远的地方。 例句：登上山顶他举目眺望，云山雾海，一片绚丽的景色。	Lift up one’s eyes
郁郁葱葱	意思是形容草木苍翠茂盛，也形容气势美好蓬勃，生机勃勃的样子。 例句：这片丘岭草木茂盛，郁郁葱葱。	luxuriant and green
油然而生	形容思想感情自然而然地产生。 例句：而这部优秀的电影也会让你的同情油然而生。	arise spontaneously
情不自禁	意思是感情激动得不能控制。强调完全被某种感情所支配。 例句：喜剧演员专业的表演让观众情不自禁地大笑。	in spite of oneself
境界	境界指人的思想觉悟和精神修养，也是自我修持的能力。 例句：瑜伽练习通过冥想，可以让修炼者进入一种更高的意识境界。	realm
思绪万千	意思是指思想的头绪相当多，思虑复杂多端。 例句：一想到自己的恋人，她思绪万千，脑子里乱作一团。	fill one’s mind with a myriad of thoughts and ideas
悠扬	意思是形容声音高低起伏、悦耳和谐而传播很远。 例句：他们离寺院越近，钟声就越响，越悠扬。	melodious
渐入佳境	原义是甘蔗下端比上端甜，从上到下，越吃越甜；后比喻境况逐渐好转或兴趣逐渐浓厚。 例句：现在我的感觉是渐入佳境。	Getting Better
循声	意思是顺着声音。 例句：他循声跑过去，来到一处建筑工地。	hearing
对答如流	意思指回答问话像流水一样快。形容口才好，反应快。 例句：那小男孩对每个问题往往能对答如流。	answer fluently
唯恐	意思是唯独害怕（担心），只怕（担心），只怕某一事物。 例句：他们听不到她的消息时，唯恐发生了最坏的事。	for fear that
装腔作势	意思是故意装出一种腔调，做出一种姿势，用来比喻故意做作。 例句：我不喜欢她那装腔作势的样子。	strike an attitude
巍峨	意思是形容山或建筑物高大而雄伟。 例句：站在山脚下，感受到的只是它的巍峨。	tall and rugged
凝神	指聚精会神。 例句：顿时台下鸦雀无声，听众凝神聆听。	attentively
奔腾澎湃	奔腾：飞奔疾驰；澎湃：波涛冲击声。形容声势极大。 例句：洪水奔腾澎湃，一下就漫过溪谷，冲倒了小木屋。	Surging forward
千载难逢	本义是一千年也难碰到一次，后比喻机会非常难得。 例句：这是千载难逢的机会。	once in a blue moon
知音	指对作品能深刻理解、正确评价的人。 例句：不知道他是否有个可以畅谈理想的知音。	Bosom Friend
不知不觉	意思是没有意识到，没有觉察到。 例句：他们陶醉在美好的假期中，不知不觉已过了三个月。	unconsciously
转瞬即逝	意思是形容转眼之间就很快消失。 例句：我想要比此刻更好的东西，但它转瞬即逝。	written in water
惦记	意思是心里一直想着的，放不下。 例句：整整一周我一直惦记着这场比赛。	remember with concern
有异	意思是有异状。 例句：听到屋外的脚步声，他立刻明白情况有异。	differ
伤心欲绝	意思是指极度悲哀，万分伤心的样子。 例句：母亲去世的时候，我伤心欲绝。	Inconsolable
嚎啕大哭	表示放声大哭的样子。 例句：她对着父亲的遗体嚎啕大哭。	howl

Meaning of the Idiom

an du chen cang(advancing secretly by an unknown path)

After the peasant uprising at the end of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu and Liu Bang fought a four-year “Chu-Han War” to fight for the world. Liu Bang first invaded Xianyang and proclaimed himself King of Guanzhong. Xiang Yu was so powerful that Liu Bang surrendered Xianyang and Guanzhong to Xiang Yu and went to Hanzhong himself.

Next to Hanzhong is Zhang Han. In order to confuse Xiang Yu and prevent Zhang Han from invading, Liu Bang burned down the plank road leading to and from Hanzhong.

Later, Liu Bang became more and more powerful. He appointed Han Xin as a general and sent troops to fight with Xiang Yu. In order to confuse the enemy, Han Xin sent more than 10,000 troops to repair the burnt plank road. Plank road repair project arduous, progress is slow. Zhang Han predicted that the restoration of the plank road is not easy, without warning.

However, the main force of Han Xin’s army had already moved towards Chencang by small roads, and quickly captured Xianyang and occupied Guanzhong.

Han Xin adopted a subtle strategy and won a great victory in capturing Guanzhong. This is where the phrase “hiding in the dark” comes in.

暗度陈仓

 [àn dù chén cāng]，将真实的意图隐藏在不令人生疑的行动的背后，将奇特的、非一般的、非正规的、非习惯的行动隐藏在普通的、一般的、正规的、习惯的行动背后，迂回进攻，出奇制胜。

出自司马迁《史记·淮阴侯列传》。

例句

为了获取一个适合的人才他们真可谓煞费苦心，不惜工本，明修栈道，暗度陈仓。

然而，当那些科技公司闹得沸沸扬扬的时候，传统的媒体公司正在暗度陈仓，掌控市场。

说好一起去看电影，你们两个啥时候背着我就就暗度陈仓了。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
割据	意思是以武力占据部分地区，在一个国家内形成分裂对抗的局面。 例句：拜占庭后期，各个邦国割据一方，整个欧洲四分五裂。	set up a separatist regime by force of arms
独霸天下	意思是以最强大的力量统治所有领土。 例句：微软所面临的问题是，这种独霸天下的局面是否会继续。	Dominating the world
抗衡	指相互对抗，力量不分上下。 例句：面对国际公司的倾销，这些规模有限的本地公司根本无法抗衡。	contend against/with
软禁	指的是用非暴力手段，把某人的活动范围限制在一定的范围中，在任何时间均受到监视，需要获得批准才能外出。 例句：退位的老国王被软禁起来，不得随意外出。	house arrest
不甘	指不情愿；不甘心。 例句：这几个青年不甘寂寞，一到晚上就翻墙出去寻欢作乐。	unreconciled to
疑虑	意思指迷惑，不理解，或有顾虑。 例句：这些推心置腹的话语，也并没能打消大家的疑虑。	misgivings; doubt
松懈	意思是放松懈怠。 例句：虽然老板不来办公，大家可是也并不敢松懈一点。	relax; slacken
口出怨言	意思是讲出抱怨或埋怨的话语。 例句：这位店长总是克扣大家的工资，让员工们不由得口出怨言。	be discontented and speak resentfully
调兵遣将	意思是调动兵力，派遣将领。泛指调动安排人力。 例句：既然已经知道了敌人的动向，我们就立刻调兵遣将，准备阻击敌军。	deploy forces
雷声大，雨点小	形容声势浩大而实际行动不足。 例句：虽然这几个大公司反复强调品牌文化建设，但由于资金和人才等种种原因，一直是雷声大， 雨点小，效果不显著。	There is much thunder but little rain.
半信半疑	意思是一半相信，一半怀疑。表示对真假不敢肯定。 例句：他中奖的消息传回了家乡，但他母亲却半信半疑，非要见到儿子才肯相信。	dubitate

Meaning of the Idiom

you yong wu mou（be more brave than wise）

Han Dynasty Xian emperor period, a coup occurred in the court, a minister named Li Jue hijacked the emperor, another minister named Guo Si captured the officials, two people refuse to yield.

Every time Li Jue met Emperor Xian, he always liked to accuse Guo Si endlessly. Emperor Xian had to follow his meaning a few perfunctory. Li Jue was very happy, and thought he had been recognized by the emperor.

Another minister called Huang Fuli and Li Jue is a fellow, Emperor Xian ordered him to mediate the dispute between Li Jue and Guo Si. After the mediation of Huang Fuli, Guo Si agreed to make peace, but Li Jue refused. He said to Huang Fuli, “I have contributed to the war against Lu Bu and served in the government for four years. Now Chang ‘an is so peaceful, everyone knows that. Who is Guo Si? He’s a horse thief, and he wants to be my equal? He must be killed.”

Huang Fuli said, “Dong Zhuo is stronger than you. Lu Bu received his favor but secretly killed him. That’s what happens when you have courage and no strategy. You and Guo Si have taken the Emperor and the officials hostage. Who is more guilty?” Li Jue wouldn’t listen and threw him out.

Later, Li Jue’s general Yang Feng led the army to defect. Li Jue’s power began to wane and he eventually had to flee back to his hometown.

有勇无谋

 [yǒu yǒng wú móu]，比喻只有勇气，没有计谋；形容做事或打仗只是一味地蛮干，而不会运用谋略。

出自《献帝起居注》。

例句

凡事要多动脑筋想一想，可不能学猛张飞有勇无谋啊。

他是个胆大心粗，有勇无谋的人。

一定要讲究战略战术，有勇无谋，是难以打胜仗的。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
劫持	指要挟；挟持。 例句：他被几个人劫持到一片树林里。	kidnap; hold under duress; hijack
互不相让	意思是双方谁也不让谁。 例句：如果彼此互不相让，双方的情绪就会变得越来越糟糕。	neither give way to the other
把持	意思是拿，握；指揽权专断，不让别人参与。 例句：他们家都是母亲把持财政大权。	control
疑神疑鬼	意思是这也怀疑，那也怀疑。形容非常多疑。 例句：许多事都是他自己疑神疑鬼，自寻烦恼。	suspicious
喋喋不休	指说话唠唠叨叨，没完没了。 例句：她说起家里的琐事，总是喋喋不休，没完没了。	chatter without stop
敷衍	指不认真对待，表面应付了事，有欺骗成份。 例句：他根本不想帮忙，随便敷衍了几句话，就离开了。	perfunctory
赏识	认识到别人的才能或作品等的价值而给予重视或赞扬。 例句：他获得了老板的赏识，被提拔做部门的主管。	esteem; think highly of
威望	意思是声威和名望；有声威名望的人。 例句：他的父亲在乡里有极高的威望，因此他的一举一动都受到关注。	prestige
调停	调停是指争端各方以外的第三方促使争端各方直接谈判并参与或主持其谈判的行为。 例句：经过英法等国的调停，希特勒表面同意不再武力扩张。	mediate
平起平坐	比喻彼此地位或权力平等。 例句：她的足球踢得非常好，跟男孩子们也可以说平起平坐。	sit as equal at the same table
果不其然	意思是果然如此。指事物的发展变化跟预料的一样。 例句：天气预报真准，果不其然，下午就下了雨。	indeed
无缘	指人与事物或人与人之间没有碰到一起的可能性。 例句：没想到从他们那一年分别后，再也无缘相见。	without luck by which people are brought together

Meaning of the Idiom

xu zhang sheng shi（make an empty show of strength）

During the Western Han Dynasty, the Huns invaded Shangjun, and Li Guang, as the prefect of Shangjun, was responsible for resisting the attack of the Xiongnu.

One day, an official went out hunting with several entourages. He encountered three Huns and fought with them. All the entourages died, and only one of them was shot and fled back.

Li Guang said: “These people must be the Huns who shot the vultures.” So he immediately led a hundred cavalry to pursue the three Huns. As a result, Li Guang killed two of them and captured one alive.

When Li Guang went back, he suddenly found some Huns cavalry not far away. The Huns cavalry also saw Li Guang, and the two sides confronted each other.

Li Guang’s entourage was very frightened and wanted to run away quickly. Li Guang said: “We are dozens of miles away from our army. If we escape like this, the Hun cavalry will surely chase and kill us, and we will die. If we do nothing, the Hun soldiers will think that we are soldiers to lure the enemy, and they will not dare to attack us.”

Li Guang ordered the soldiers to move forward, and then ordered to take off the saddle. The entourage said: “There are so many enemies, take off the saddle, what if the situation is urgent?” Li Guang said: “Take off the saddle, so that the Huns soldiers can be more convinced that we are soldiers to lure the enemy.”
At this time, a general of the Huns soldiers on a white horse came into battle. Li Guang immediately mounted the horse and shot the general on the white horse to death. Then he returned to the original place, took off the saddle, and let the horse lie down and rest.

Until the evening, the Huns soldiers did not dare to advance, and they were afraid that there were ambush soldiers in the Han Dynasty nearby who would attack in the dark and retreat in the middle of the night.

The next day, Li Guang led his entourage back to the military camp safely.

虚张声势

 [xū zhāng shēng shì]，指大造声势，借以吓人。

出自唐·韩愈《论淮西事宜状》。

例句

他样子吓人，其实是虚张声势而已。 

他这不是虚张声势，而是真的做最后一搏，要取得好名次。

那些没有真正能力的人，才只会虚张声势，来吸引别人的注意力。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
入侵	指未经邀请、允许而入；或强行进入。 例句：如果不做好生物隔离，很可能会导致外来物种入侵，引发生态灾难。	intrude; invade
游猎	意思是出游打猎、驰逐打猎、粗略地游览。 例句：自从家人陆续离世，他就孤身进入附近的森林，过着游猎生活。	safari
诱敌	意思是利用有利的自然条件，设下埋伏引诱敌人进入圈套。 例句：他们以小股部队诱敌深入，然后集中兵力全歼敌军。	trap the enemy
追杀	指追击并杀死对手。 例句：为了躲避仇人的追杀，他不得不改名换姓，隐居在一个小镇上。	chase
按兵不动	指掌握力量而暂不行动，以等待时机。比喻事情发生后持观望态度而不肯行动。 例句：我们所需要做的是，按兵不动，看看他们采取什么步骤。	not throw the army into battle

Meaning of the Idiom

tan de wu yan（acquisitive）

In the late Spring and Autumn Period, the six upper ministers of the State of Jin annexed territories to each other. Zhi Bo is an ambitious man who always tries to expand his sphere of influence.

Once, Zhi Bo planned to annex the territory of Xiangzi of Zhao and besiege him in the city of Jinyang. Xiang Zi of Zhao sent men to Han Kangzi and Wei Huanzi to ask for help. They all knew Zhi Bo’s insatiable appetite, so they joined forces to attack him.

In the end, Zhibo was destroyed because of his greed.

贪得无厌

 [tān dé wú yàn]，指贪心没有满足的时候；形容人的贪婪。

出自春秋时期左丘明的《左传·昭公二十八年》。

例句

电影中的主人公贪得无厌，最终落得个家破人亡。 

这伙奸商贩卖假货，骗取钱财，贪得无厌，犹如豺狼虎豹。

贪得无厌的小孩，最终都会没有糖吃。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
扩展	指向外伸展；扩大范围或势力。 例句：经过几年的发展，城市边界扩展到将这几个周边的县城都包括在内了。	extension
野心勃勃	形容野心很大。 例句：成吉思汗野心勃勃，几乎把亚洲和欧洲都纳入蒙古帝国的版图。	ambitious
处心积虑	形容蓄谋已久，指费尽心思做坏事。 例句：没想到你们这么不长进，老是处心积虑地想要分家产。	deliberately plan
侵占	非法占据，侵占别国领土或别人的钱财以及重要东西，使用非法手段来获取一些不属于自己的东西。 例句：他们利用自己职务的方便，侵占一部分公共财产。	embezzlement
忍气吞声	指受了气勉强忍耐，有话不敢说出来。 例句：自从嫁给这个暴躁的男人，她就不得不过着忍气吞声的日子。	submit to humiliation
寡不敌众	意思是人少的抵挡不住人多的。形容在战争中敌对双方的实力悬殊太大。 例句：她很勇敢，但终因寡不敌众，被那帮人打晕过去。	be outnumbered
内应	在内部暗中策应，多指暗藏在敌方内部做策应工作的人。 例句：这伙歹徒在银行里一定有内应，否则不会这么了解金库的结构。	a person operating from within in coordination with outside forces

Meaning of the Idiom

luo yang zhi gui（the price of writing paper went up greatly）

In the Jin Dynasty (265-420) there was a famous writer whose name was Zuo Si who, however, was very naughty and did not like to study when he was a small kid. His father often got angry, and yet young Zuo Si was as naughty as ever and would not study hard.

One day, Zuo Si’s father was chatting with his friends. his friends envied him his clever and loverly son. Hearing this, Zuo si’s father sighed, “Please do not mention him. My son Zuo si does not study as well as I did when I was young, although I did not study well enough myself. It appears that he is actually a good-for-nothing.” So saying, he looked disappointed. All this was witnessed by young Zuo Si. He felt very sad, feeling intensely that he would not be able to have a bright future if he did not study hard. So he was determined to study assiduously from then on.

Day after day and year after year, Zuo Si gradually grew up. Because of his unremitting afforts in hard study, he became an erudite scholar and wrote very excellent essays. The “Ode to the Capital of the State of Qi”, which took him one year to write, showed his brilliant literary talent and laid the foundation for his becoming an outstanding writer. then he planned to write an “Ode to the Capitals of the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu Han and Wu” with the local conditions and customs as well as the produce of the three capitals as its content. In order to achieve the desired effect in content, structure and language, he applied himself to research work with great concentration, and was so absorbed in creative writing as to forget food and sleep. It took him ten whole years to finish the writing of “Ode to the Capitals of the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu Han and Wu”, a literary masterpiece.

The “Ode to the Capitals of the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu Han and Wu” was well received by the broad masses of readers after it made its appearance to the public, and people considered it as superbly written as the “Ode to the Western Capital (Changan) and to the Eastern Capital (Luoyang)” written by Ban Gu (32-92) and the “Ode to the Western Capital and to the Eastern Capital” written by Zhang Heng of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to A.D.220). As the art of printing had not been invented at that time, people who were fond of this “Ode” had to make handwritten copies of it themselves. As there were so many people who vied with each other in making handwritten copies, the supply of writing paper fell short of the demand in Luoyang went up greatly.

This story comes from “The life of Zuo Si” in the book “Literary Field” of The History of the Jin Dynasty. Based on this story, people have coined the set phrase “the price of writing paper went up greatly”, meaning the overwhelming popularity of a new work causes shortage of printing paper, to show how popular an outstanding piece of literary work is.

洛阳纸贵

 [luò yáng zhǐ guì]，原义是晋代左思《三都赋》写成之后，抄写的人非常多，洛阳的纸因此都涨价了；后比喻著作广泛流传，风行一时。

出自《晋书·左思传》。

例句

这部作品印行后，一时洛阳纸贵。 

他的推理小说，向来都能引起洛阳纸贵，极为畅销。

她是国内炙手可热的名作家，每一部小说都洛阳纸贵。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
其貌不扬	形容人面貌普通，甚至丑陋、难看。 例句：他这个人长得其貌不扬，但非常有才华。	ugly
不善言辞	意思是不知道怎么表达自己的思想。 例句：由于他不善言辞，所以一直都没有交到什么朋友。	inarticulate
发奋	意思是振作起来，奋发；决定努力。 例句：自从他认识到学习的重要，就发奋读书，终于考取了理想的大学。	work energetically
辞藻华丽	意思是文章用很多华丽的词语来描写和修饰。 例句：这首诗辞藻华丽，非常符合她的个性。	flowery
讨教	意思是指求教。 例句：看到这位名厨非常热情，他就立刻上前讨教一些烘焙的技巧。	ask for advice
赞不绝口	意思是赞美的话说个不停，形容对人或事物十分赞赏。 例句：对她的演奏，在场的宾客都赞不绝口。	full of praise
供不应求	意思是指供应不能满足需求，形容某种事物的需求量很大，但供应不足的意思。 例句：这款新手机一上市，就立刻供不应求，非常受大众欢迎。	demand exceeds supply
叹服	意思是赞叹而且佩服。 例句：他在球场上的表现真让人叹服。	admire deeply
一夜成名	意思是极短时间就变的非常出名。 例句：这次音乐会的成功演出，让作曲家一夜成名。	rise to fame overnight

Meaning of the Idiom

tu qiong bi xian（The real intention is revealed in the end）

In the end of the Warring States Period (475－221 BC), there was a strong country named Qin. It wanted to annex other countries to unite China.

In 228 BC, the Qin army captured a country and prepared to attack another country named Yan. So the prince Dan of Yan sent a brave man called Jing Ke to assassinate the King of Qin. In order to gain the confidence of the King of Qin, he carried a map of the most fertile part of Yan territory to Qin and hid a sharp dagger in it. He came to Qin and entered the palace. When the king ordered the map be presented, he took out the map and presented it to the king with great respect. Slowly, he unrolled the map. When it was completely unrolled, the hidden dagger appeared. Jing Ke grabbed it and stabbed at the king. But the king dodged the dagger and hid himself behind a big pillar. Jing Ke had never got the chance to kill the king as he was soon killed by the palace guards.

The plan has failed. Later, Qin had wiped off Yan.

The idiom describes the real intention is revealed in the end.

图穷匕见

 [tú qióng bǐ xiàn]，战国时，荆轲奉燕国太子丹之命行刺秦王，以献燕国督亢的地图为名，预先把匕首卷在图里，到了秦王座前，慢慢把地图展开，最后露出匕首。后人就用“图穷匕见”借指事情发展到最后，真相或本意露出来了（穷：尽；见：同“现”，显露）。

出自《战国策·燕策三》。

例句

他虚情假意一番之后，便图穷匕见，露出了本来的面目。

心怀不轨的人，终有一天会图穷匕见，露出他的真面目。

对方的诡计图穷匕见，事实真相终于水落石出。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
直捣	意思是长驱直入地进攻。 例句：只要攻下这个关卡，将军直捣黄龙的目标就指日可待了。	to attack directly
谋划	意思是试图找到解决办法。 例句：他在谋划利用这次机会打倒他的对手。	plan; scheme
伺机	指侦候可乘之机。 例句：这只猎豹隐藏在草丛中，伺机捕猎路过的瞪羚。	watch for one’s chance
慷慨悲壮	意思是充满正气，情绪激昂，悲痛而壮烈的样子。 例句：这首诗读起来慷慨悲壮，寄托了诗人思念故国的心情。	Passionate tragic
心惊胆战	形容十分害怕。 例句：突然窗外的一声炸雷，让在座的人不由的心惊胆战。	shake with fear
镇定自若	意思是指在情况紧急时不慌不乱，当作没什么事情似的。 例句：一听到这个噩耗，全家人都慌作一团，只有他镇定自若。	remain calm
心怀歹意	意思是心里藏着不良的意图。 例句：门外有几个人鬼鬼祟祟，看起来好像心怀歹意，最好对他们当心一些。	Have evil intentions
手无寸铁	意思是手里没有任何武器。 例句：面对手无寸铁的平民，这些警察也不敢随便开枪。	Unarmed

Meaning of the Idiom

ji e ru chou（hate evil as one’s enemy）

During the Western Jin Dynasty, most of the officials were from nobles, and they enjoyed many privileges and lived a very luxurious life. During the reign of Emperor Hui, an official named Fu Xian was a decent man and dared to speak out.

One year, there was a famine in various places, many people were homeless, and countless people died of starvation and freezing. Fu Xian immediately reported to Emperor Hui that the people had no food to eat, but Emperor Hui asked incomprehensibly, “Then why don’t they eat meat porridge?” Fu Xian heard this, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, so he detailed the situation of the people to Emperor Hui. When Emperor Hui asked what advice he had, Fu Xian said directly: “Officials are excessively extravagant. Their daily meals cost as much as 10,000 yuan, but the people have no food to survive. The government should punish these wasteful officials.”

After hearing this, Emperor Hui felt that it was very reasonable, and finally made up his mind to dismiss some officials.

Since then, officials have restrained. Therefore, people say that Fu Xian is a serious official and hates evil.

嫉恶如仇

 [jí è rú chóu]，指对坏人坏事如同对仇敌一样憎恨。亦作“疾恶如仇”。

出自清·梁绍壬《两般秋雨庵随笔·蔡木龛》。

例句

他一向嫉恶如仇，富有正义感，所以大家有困难都习惯找他帮忙。

这位警察局长是个嫉恶如仇的人。

他是个嫉恶如仇的人，也因此常惹祸上身。

Reading The Paragraphs!

Meaning of Words

 

词语	华文解释	英文解释
名门望族	指历史悠久而声望很高的家族。 例句：在座的宾客不是商贾名流，就是名门望族。	notable family and great clan — gentility
倚仗	意思是依赖；依靠。 例句：这个年轻人倚仗警察局长父亲的保护，经常惹事生非。	rely on
骄奢淫逸	形容生活放纵奢侈，荒淫无度。 例句：这几个富豪的儿子毫无作为，生活骄奢淫逸，让他们的家族蒙羞。	extravagant and dissipated
流离失所	流离：离开家乡，没有一定的居处；失所：失去安身的地方。意思是无处安身，四处流浪。 例句：洪灾之后，遭难的老百姓流离失所，不堪设想。	become destitute and homeless
背井离乡	意思是离开家乡到外地。 例句：由于得罪了当地的权贵，他不得不背井离乡，逃到国外。	leave one’s native place
不计其数	指没办法计算数目，形容极多。 例句：他收藏的各国硬币种类繁多、不计其数。	countless
陈奏	意思是臣子向帝王陈述意见或说明事情。 例句：一听到国王询问，一位大臣立刻走出来陈奏事件的起因。	present a memorial to the emperor
啼笑皆非	形容处境尴尬或既令人难受又令人发笑的行为。 例句：看到他那夸张的表演，评委们不禁啼笑皆非。	not know whether to laugh or cry
直言不讳	意思是说话坦率，毫无顾忌。形容一个人说话毫无隐瞒。 例句：你不必多心，我素来是个直言不讳的人。	call a spade a spade
挥霍无度	意思指滥用金钱，没有节制。 例句：自从继承了父亲的百万财产，他就挥霍无度，没几年就把财产快花光了。	spend money like water
水深火热	本义是像水一样深，像火一样热；比喻人民生活极端痛苦，如同处在深水热火之中。 例句：中世纪的宗教迫害，让当时的欧洲思想禁锢、经济落后，人民处在其中真是水深火热。	extreme misery
屡教不改	意思是多次教育，仍不改正。 例句：犯错误的人，除了极少数屡教不改的以外，大多数是可以改正的。	incorrigible
趾高气扬	指走路时脚抬得很高，神气十足；形容骄傲自满，得意忘形的样子。 例句：他虽然为大家做了一些好事，但那种趾高气扬的神情还是让人有些讨厌。	hold one’s head high
满不在乎	形容丝毫不在意、无所谓的样子。 例句：他对老师的批评满不在乎，完全不想改正。	make nothing of
顽固不化	意思是指表示坚持自己的意见，不肯改变，形容人十分固执。 例句：这些顽固不化的犯罪分子，真是死不改悔。	Unrepentant
气馁（něi）	指失去信心与勇气,提不起精神再做任何事。 例句：他多次遇到挫折，但从不气馁。	discouraged