Chinese Idioms Containing “上”

All theory no practice

Literal: Discuss war on paper

Anxious and unsettled

Literal: Seven up eight down

Success in theory not reality

Literal: Wealth on paper only

Evenly matched with neither superior

Literal: Not mutually up down

Latecomers surpass the early starters

Literal: Latecomers end up on top

Serve as a link between preceding and following

Literal: Continuing above and opening below

Add insult to injury; make things worse

Literal: Add frost on top of snow

Rise rapidly; soar straight up

Literal: Whirlwind spiraling straight up

Rise quickly to high position

Literal: Blue clouds straight up

Persevere through challenges

Literal: Face difficulties head-on

Create favorable illusion

Literal: Flowers bloom on a tree

Strategic retreat

Literal: Retreat as the best plan

Enhance existing beauty

Literal: Add flowers to brocade

Influence of leadership

Literal: Above acts, below imitates

Compelled to rebel

Literal: Forced onto Liangshan Mountain