12 Chinese Idioms with the Most Famous Origin Stories
Discover 12 Chinese idioms with legendary origin stories - from Zhuangzi's monkeys to Xiang Yu's burning boats and Liu Bei's three visits.
Every Chinese idiom carries a story, but some stories are so vivid they've become legends in their own right. These 12 chengyu have origin tales that every Chinese person knows - from ancient philosophers to legendary generals, each one is a window into 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.
朝三暮四
zhāo sān mù sìFickle and inconsistent
Literal: Three in the morning, four at night
This idiom, 朝三暮四 (zhāo sān mù sì), originates from the classical text 'Zhuangzi' (庄子), specifically from the chapter 'Qi Wu Lun' (齐物论). The story involves an old man known as 'Juguong' (狙公), who kept many monkeys. Due to limited resources, he decided to ration their food. Initially, he proposed givi...
Example
His indecisiveness led to constant changes in plans, leaving everyone confused.
他的优柔寡断导致计划不断变化，让大家感到困惑。
三顾茅庐
sān gù máo lúSincere invitation
Literal: Three visits to the thatched cottage
The idiom 三顾茅庐 (sān gù máo lú) originates from the historical account of Liu Bei's persistent efforts to recruit the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Liu Bei, determined to restore the Han dynasty amidst the chaos of the Three Kingdoms period, visited Zhuge Liang...
Example
His persistence in seeking the expert's advice was reminiscent of the three visits to the thatched cottage.
他坚持不懈地寻求专家的建议，令人想起三顾茅庐。
惊弓之鸟
jīng gōng zhī niǎoFear from past trauma
Literal: Frightened bird of a bow
This idiom, 惊弓之鸟 (jīng gōng zhī niǎo), originates from a story in the Warring States period, found in the text 《战国策》 (Zhàn Guó Cè). The tale involves a skilled archer named 更羸 (Gèng Léng) who, while with the King of Wei, claimed he could bring down a bird with just the sound of a bowstring. When a w...
Example
After the incident, he became very jumpy and anxious.
事件发生后，他变得像惊弓之鸟一样，十分紧张。
黄粱一梦
huáng liáng yī mèngEphemeral dreams
Literal: A dream of yellow millet
The idiom 黄粱一梦 (huáng liáng yī mèng) originates from the Tang dynasty story found in the text 《枕中记》 by 沈既济. It tells of a young man named 卢生 who, while resting at an inn in 邯郸, laments his unfulfilled ambitions. A Taoist named 吕翁 offers him a magical pillow, promising that his dreams will come true....
Example
His aspirations were ultimately just a fleeting fantasy that never materialized
他的抱负最终不过是一个转瞬即逝的幻想
临渊羡鱼
lín yuān xiàn yúAct, don't just dream
Literal: Admire fish by the abyss
The idiom 临渊羡鱼 (lín yuān xiàn yú) originates from the Western Han dynasty text 《淮南子·说林训》. The story is about a person who stands by a river, admiring the fish (羡鱼, xiàn yú) but does nothing to catch them. Instead of merely longing for the fish, it is wiser to return home and weave a net (结网, jié wǎn...
Example
He often admires the success of others but never takes action to pursue his own dreams.
他常常临渊羡鱼，却从不付诸行动。
破镜重圆
pò jìng chóng yuánReunion after separation
Literal: Broken mirror reunited
The idiom 破镜重圆 (pò jìng chóng yuán) originates from a poignant story during the late Southern and Northern Dynasties period. As the Chen Dynasty was on the brink of collapse, Xu Deyan, husband to Princess Lechang, foresaw their impending separation due to war. In a tearful farewell, they broke a bro...
Example
After years apart, they finally reconciled and repaired their broken relationship.
经过多年的分离，他们终于破镜重圆，修复了关系。
郑人买履
zhèng rén mǎi lǚInflexible adherence
Literal: Zheng man buys shoes
This idiom, 郑人买履 (zhèng rén mǎi lǚ), originates from a story in the classical text 《韩非子·外储说左上》. During the Warring States period, a man from the state of Zheng (郑) wanted to buy a pair of shoes (履). Before going to the market, he measured his foot with a piece of string. However, upon reaching the m...
Example
He stubbornly adhered to his principles, even when faced with practical challenges.
他固执地坚持自己的原则，即使面临实际挑战。
揭竿而起
jiē gān ér qǐGrassroots uprising
Literal: Raise pole and rise
The idiom 揭竿而起 (jiē gān ér qǐ) originates from the historical account of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang during the late Qin Dynasty. Discontent with the oppressive regime, these two leaders led a rebellion against the Qin by using simple tools as weapons and banners. The phrase literally means 'to raise a ...
Example
When faced with adversity, we must unite and take action.
面对逆境时，我们必须团结一致，行动起来。
门可罗雀
mén kě luó quèAbandoned by fair-weather friends
Literal: Door can catch sparrows
The idiom 门可罗雀 (mén kě luó què) originates from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记) by Sima Qian, a foundational text of Chinese historiography. It recounts the story of two Han dynasty officials, Ji An and Zheng Zhuang, who were known for their integrity and straightforwardness. Despite their...
Example
After his departure, the once-bustling shop became deserted and quiet.
他离开后，这家曾经热闹的商店门可罗雀。
饮鸩止渴
yǐn zhèn zhǐ kěShort-sighted solution
Literal: Drink poison to quench thirst
The idiom 饮鸩止渴 (yǐn zhèn zhǐ kě) originates from the historical text 《后汉书》 (Hòu Hàn Shū) by 范晔 (Fàn Yè) during the Southern Dynasties. It tells the story of 霍谞 (Huò Xū), a young scholar in the Eastern Han dynasty, who defended his innocent uncle, 宋光 (Sòng Guāng), against false accusations. In his pl...
Example
Choosing to ignore the problem may provide temporary relief, but it ultimately leads to greater consequences.
选择忽视问题可能会带来暂时的缓解，但最终会导致更大的后果。
如坐针毡
rú zuò zhēn zhānExtreme discomfort
Literal: As if sitting on needles
The idiom 如坐针毡 (rú zuò zhēn zhān) originates from a story in the Jin Dynasty, as recorded in the historical text 《晋书·杜锡传》. It tells of Du Xi (杜锡), a loyal official serving the crown prince Sima Yu (愍怀太子). Despite Du Xi's earnest advice, the prince resented him and, in a cruel prank, placed needles i...
Example
During the tense negotiation, he felt like he was sitting on needles, unable to relax.
在紧张的谈判中，他感觉如坐针毡，无法放松。
如火如荼
rú huǒ rú túIntense and vigorous
Literal: Like fire, like white flowers
The idiom 如火如荼 (rú huǒ rú tú) originates from the historical text 《国语·吴语》, attributed to the Spring and Autumn period. It describes the military strategy of Wu King Fuchai, who used a visually striking formation to intimidate his enemies. His army was divided into three sections: the central troops ...
Example
The debate was intense and passionate, with each side presenting their arguments fervently.
这场辩论如火如荼，双方都热情洋溢地表达观点。
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