8 Chinese Idioms About Jealousy & Envy
Green-eyed Chinese idioms about jealousy, envy, and the destructive power of covetousness.
Jealousy and envy are universal human emotions, and Chinese idioms capture their many shades - from mild admiration to destructive obsession. These expressions warn about the dangers of comparison.
抱薪救火
bào xīn jiù huǒMake situation worse
Literal: Carry wood save fire
This paradoxical image of carrying (抱) firewood (薪) to extinguish (救) a fire (火) emerged during the Warring States period as a metaphor for self-defeating actions. Historical records show it being used to criticize policies that appeared helpful but actually worsened situations. The image was partic...
Example
Their hasty solution only complicated the existing issues
他们仓促的解决方案只是使现有问题更加复杂
引火烧身
yǐn huǒ shāo shēnBring trouble upon oneself
Literal: Draw fire burn self
This cautionary idiom describes the act of drawing (引) fire (火) to burn (烧) oneself (身), originating from the Spring and Autumn period. It first appeared in historical accounts of conspirators who, in attempting to harm others, ultimately destroyed themselves. The metaphor draws from ancient Chinese...
Example
His questionable business practices eventually led to his downfall
他不当的商业行为最终导致了自己的垮台
隔岸观火
gé àn guān huǒObserve troubles from safe distance
Literal: Watch fire from opposite shore
This evocative idiom describes watching (观) a fire (火) from the opposite (隔) shore (岸), originating from Tang Dynasty accounts of riverside village fires. Historical records tell how those safely across the river could observe disasters without personal risk. The phrase gained moral dimensions durin...
Example
The competing company observed their rival's crisis without offering assistance
竞争公司隔岸观火，看着对手的危机而不提供帮助
洞若观火
dòng ruò guān huǒUnderstand with absolute clarity
Literal: Clear as watching fire
This idiom describes understanding something as clearly (洞) as (若) watching (观) fire (火), originating from the Warring States period. It first appeared in Daoist texts describing the mental clarity achieved through meditation, where complex truths became as obvious as flames in darkness. The fire me...
Example
The detective's analysis made the complex case suddenly comprehensible
侦探的分析使复杂的案件突然变得清晰明了
覆水难收
fù shuǐ nán shōuActions cannot be undone
Literal: Spilled water hard to recover
This irreversible idiom states that water once spilled (覆水) is difficult (难) to gather back (收), originating from Tang Dynasty poetry. It first appeared in a poem about irrevocable separation between husband and wife, comparing their relationship to water impossible to return to its container once p...
Example
After revealing confidential information, he realized some mistakes cannot be undone
在泄露机密信息后，他意识到有些错误无法挽回
恶贯满盈
è guàn mǎn yíngAccumulated evil deeds ripe for punishment
Literal: Evil accumulated fully filled
Han Dynasty metaphysical discussions introduced this image of wickedness (恶) accumulating until fully (满) overflowing (盈). Buddhist influence strengthened its connection to inevitable karmic consequences. The metaphor of evil as a liquid gradually filling a vessel until it overflows perfectly captur...
Example
After decades of corruption, the official was finally brought to justice
经过几十年的腐败，这名官员终于被绳之以法
自食其果
zì shí qí guǒReap what one sows; suffer consequences
Literal: Self eat its fruit
This idiom describes eating (食) the fruit (果) of one's own (自其) actions - suffering the consequences of one's behavior. The agricultural metaphor connects actions to their natural outcomes, like trees producing fruit from seeds planted. The phrase reflects the Buddhist and Confucian concept of moral...
Example
His dishonesty eventually backfired on him.
他的不诚实最终让他自食其果。
怒不可遏
nù bù kě èBe furious beyond control
Literal: Anger that cannot be suppressed
This idiom describes anger (怒) that cannot (不可) be suppressed (遏). It depicts rage so intense that it overwhelms all attempts at self-control. The phrase appeared in texts describing righteous fury at injustice or betrayal. Modern usage describes intense anger that demands expression, whether justif...
Example
Upon discovering the betrayal, he became furious beyond control.
发现背叛后，他怒不可遏。
Quick Reference
More Chinese Idiom Lists
10 Powerful Chinese Idioms for Business Success
Master these essential Chinese idioms (chengyu) to impress in business meetings, negotiations, and professional settings.
8 Beautiful Chinese Idioms About Love & Romance
Discover romantic Chinese idioms that express love, devotion, and relationships in poetic ways.
10 Chinese Idioms Every Student Should Know
Essential Chinese idioms about learning, education, and academic success that will inspire your studies.
8 Meaningful Chinese Idioms About Friendship
Celebrate the bonds of friendship with these heartfelt Chinese idioms about loyalty, trust, and companionship.
Learn Chinese Idioms Daily
Get a new Chinese idiom delivered to your home screen every day with our free iOS app. Features pinyin pronunciation, meanings, and cultural context.
Download Free App