Chinese Idioms Containing “三”

Many twists and turns

Literal: One wave three turns

Learn many from one example

Literal: Raise one reflect three

Think thrice before acting

Literal: Think three times then act

Self-reflect daily

Literal: Examine self three times

Repeated lie becomes truth

Literal: Three people make tiger real

Make concessions to avoid conflict

Literal: Retreat three camps

Profoundly penetrating insight

Literal: Enter wood three tenths

Always have backup plans

Literal: Clever rabbit has three burrows

Lasting impact of performance

Literal: Lingering around beams for days

Habitually forgetful and disorganized

Literal: Lose three drop four

Explode in extreme anger or rage

Literal: Fire rises three zhang

Establish maturity

Literal: At thirty, stand firm

Fickle and inconsistent

Literal: Three in the morning, four at night

Sincere invitation

Literal: Three visits to the thatched cottage

Unmatched bravery

Literal: Bravery crowns the army